Goodwill North Central Texas provided two summer programs for youth with disabilities to obtain workplace readiness training and work experience. Summer Earn & Learn and Camp Independence are geared to help students transition from a classroom environment to the real-world work environment.
In partnership with Texas Workforce Commission and Texas Workforce Solutions, Summer Earn & Learn creates pathways to employment for students 15-22 with disabilities. Participants receive workplace readiness training to prepare for successful employment and paid work experience to help build skills and identify future career goals. Students were placed at 24 area businesses including Arlington Animal Shelter, the City of Fort Worth, the Omni Fort Worth Hotel, Six Flags Over Texas, University of Texas at Arlington Dining Services, Grapevine Parks and Recreation, and many more. Through Summer Earn & Learn, Goodwill North Central Texas served 128 students in 2017 and enrolled 155 students for the 2018 program. Eligible students include those with an Individualized Education Plan or a 504 Plan.
Through the 6th annual Camp Independence, Goodwill North Central Texas and Texas Workforce Solution/Vocational Rehabilitation Services offered Tarrant and Parker County transitional students – individuals with disabilities transitioning from high school to post-secondary education or the workforce – an opportunity to learn and adjust to the daily workplace routine.
The camp offered career exploration, independent living skills and self-advocacy instruction, completed resumes, as well as hands-on work experience at organizations like the Omni Fort Worth Hotel. Topics included exploring the “YOU” in work, entering the world of work, soft skills for work success and soft skills to pay the bills. Camp Independence offered three sessions at Goodwill North Central Texas’s Headquarters, Goodwill Weatherford Goodwill Arlington/Lamar.