Partnership Offers Recent FWISD Grads Access to Job Opportunities
Press Release
Release: IMMEDIATE
Partnership Offers Recent FWISD Grads Access to Job Opportunities
The Fort Worth ISD and Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County are partnering to match recent graduates with job opportunities.
The FWISD Board of Education recently approved a three-year memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the two entities that connects recent graduates to workforce opportunities and employment. In June, the partnership launched with virtual job and career events for graduating students between the ages of 18 to 21 that offered discussions about job opportunities, internships and resources. The virtual events focused on three “Es” in a young adult’s transition to self-sufficiency– empowerment, education and employment.
“This is an opportunity for young adults to explore all the exciting, in-demand career opportunities available to them in the DFW region,” said Judy McDonald, executive director of WSTC and an O.D. Wyatt High School alumna. “Bringing our resources together with FWISD is a win for our future workforce and will allow us to focus on providing a competitive advantage for this group to network with some of the top employers and enhance their job skills so they are ready to climb that career pathway to success.
“I know we have talent in our area that businesses and industry count on. We look forward to working with FWISD to connect that talent to the employers in the DFW area.”
Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County (WSTC) “effectively links workforce development, community services, training opportunities and provides supportive assistance to help interested young adults obtain gainful employment,” according to the Board agenda item referencing the MOU.
This partnership “will build and provide impactful next step opportunities for recent FWISD graduates … [and] the focus will be to help students transition into self-sufficient and productive adults,” the board agenda item states.
Through its Rise Up Young Adult Program– which supports young adults ages 16-24 enhance their job skills, improve employability, identify career pathways and much more – Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County agrees to provide “ job readiness workshops, employment and training opportunities, referrals to community agencies and educational resources, and more,” according to the MOU. The organization will also offer outreach to recent graduates and their parent(s)/ guardian(s) and supply counselors, teachers, and staff with information about the Rise Up Young Adult Program.
Services will also be provided to FWISD’s Gold Seal Programs of Choice Health Science programs at Trimble Tech, North Side and O.D. Wyatt high schools, and the Business and Education programs at North Side, South Hills, Trimble Tech and O.D. Wyatt high schools.
Participation in the program for students and recent graduates is voluntary. In turn, the District identifies potential students that may benefit from the program and distributes Rise Up Young Adult Program information and materials to those students and their parent(s)/ guardian(s).
“This partnership provides a solid bridge between high school and workforce for our graduating seniors. We are excited to see the impact that the Rise Up program will have on our young adults and Fort Worth community,” said Daphne Rickard, executive director of FWISD’s Career and Technical Education Department.
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About WSTC
Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County’s (WSTC) primary goal is to meet the needs of Tarrant employers and workers through locally-designed, market-driven workforce development initiatives and services. All employers, workers and job seekers are eligible to take advantage of these services. A 29- member Board made up of business and community leaders chaired by Jon Gustafson, with Lockheed Martin works in partnership with the Workforce Governing Board (WGB), which is composed of Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price, Arlington Mayor Jeff Williams and Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley, to oversee Workforce services in Tarrant County. More information about the workforce centers we have throughout Tarrant County can be found at our website: www.workforcesolutions.net. Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County, a proud partner of the American Job Center Network, is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available, upon request to individuals with disabilities. (TDD/TTY) 1-800-RELAYTX
Media Contact
- Lacey Douglas, Communications & Events Unit Director
- lacey.douglas@workforcesolutions.net
- 817-627-5823 (cell)
About FWISD
With over 86,000 students in 84 elementary schools, 29 middle schools and 6th grade centers, 21 high schools and 16 special campuses, Fort Worth ISD enjoys a diverse student population and strong community partnerships. Under the leadership of the superintendent and the Board of Education, the District is undergoing a series of initiatives that will redesign, transform and revitalize Fort Worth ISD Schools.
Our Mission: Preparing all students for success in college, career and community leadership
Media Contact
- Clint Bond, External & Emergency Communications Executive Director
- clint.bond@fwisd.org
- 817-814-1937
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