CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — For many, Workforce Solutions Coastal Bend has been a vital resource in finding a steady, good-paying job. For one group, however, it has also created opportunities to learn and belong, thanks in part to the Summer Earn & Learn program.
The statewide effort made its way to the Coastal Bend seven years ago. Since then, more than 360 students with disabilities or potential disabilities have been given summer jobs and put on a pathway to future employment.
“One-in-four individuals have a form of a disability, whether it’s a seen disability meaning they may utilize a wheelchair, or an unseen disability, meaning they could have ADHD; they could have low vision,” Imelda Trevino with Workforce Solutions Coastal Bend said.
According to Trevino, the S.E.A.L program allows students between the ages of 16 and 22 to sign up for a job and quickly learn about the responsibilities that come with it.
“It’s a paid internship, so they get to learn and experience what the job entails,” Trevino said. “They go through onboarding, they have to fill out a timecard, they get a direct deposit. It’s a phenomenal program.”
As an incentive for businesses willing to bring on these workers for the 5-week summer program, WSCB not only provides disability awareness training, but they also pay the salary and the insurance for the student.
For a business like In The Game Funtrackers, it has been a winning combination.
Assistant General Manager Jennifer Parkins says that for the third summer in a row, they plan to bring back James, a young man who has been a model employee.
“He greets people, he helps clean games, he helps with little things around the park, maybe picking up trash, or things like that,” Parkins said.
She also said that James makes sure he’s on time every day, he comes in uniform and he takes his breaks when he is supposed to.
As for businesses owners who are not yet on board, she says, “Give them a shot. Give them a shot. It’s going to make you feel really good at the end of the day.”
One of the other potential rewards for these students is that very often, they are offered permanent jobs.
Right now, WSCB is recruiting both students and businesses to make the program successful.
To learn more and find out how to be included, just visit their website or call (361) 882-7491.
More from 3News on KIIITV.com:
- WATCH: 3NEWS Women's History Month Panel 2024
- Ramón Ayala farewell tour will stop in Corpus Christi in September
- Doorbell surveillance video shows Caleb Harris hours before disappearance
- RECAP: 'Be a Hero' Blood Drive at KIII-TV3 Studios
- Concerns mount over safety after hit-and-run on SPID frontage road
- Free meditation ceremony for veterans, active-duty military
- Corpus Christi mother makes emotional plea following son's death caused by wrong way intoxicated driver
- An update on the Tesla lithium plant in Robstown
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for your daily news and exclusive extended interviews.
Do you have a news tip? Tell 3!
Email tell3@kiiitv.com so we can get in touch with you about your story should we have questions or need more information. We realize some stories are sensitive in nature. Let us know if you'd like to remain anonymous.