WSTC receives Teacher Externship Grant to connect CTE teachers with high demand industries
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Lacey Douglas, Workforce Solutions
Phone: 817.823.0533 / Email: [email protected]
WSTC receives Teacher Externship Grant to connect CTE teachers with high demand industries
TARRANT COUNTY, Texas (March 25, 2025) – Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County (WSTC) announces the launch of a Teacher Externship Program aimed to significantly enhance the quality of Career and Technical Education (CTE) in middle and high schools across Tarrant County.
WSTC received grant funding from the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) for this hands-on externship experience. This program aims to bridge the critical gap between theoretical classroom instruction and practical, real-world application. It will serve up to 75 Tarrant County CTE teachers/counselors in high-demand industries such as Aerospace, Business Administration, Construction, Hospitality, Logistics and Manufacturing.
Educators will participate in 20-hour externships (5 days x 4 hours) with selected Tarrant County employers, where they will observe operations, learn about industry-specific skills and collaborate with industry professionals to develop curriculum enhancements. This experience will empower them to develop and implement relevant, engaging lesson plans that directly align with industry needs, ultimately benefiting an estimated 5,000 students across the region.
WSTC is calling on Tarrant County businesses to participate by hosting one or more educators during the externship. Employers who host will play a crucial role in shaping the future workforce by providing educators with the tools they need to inspire the next generation of professionals.
Businesses interested in hosting a teacher can apply by visiting: https://bit.ly/externshiptarrantemployer.
Participants in the externship will earn a stipend and have the opportunity to immerse themselves in local businesses, gaining firsthand experience that will help them better guide students toward diverse career paths.
CTE teachers /counselors interested in applying can visit the following link: https://bit.ly/externshiptarrantteacher
“The Teacher Externship Program is crucial because it bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world industry experience, empowering educators to better prepare students for the workforce and ensuring that the skills taught in the classroom align with the needs of today’s employers,” said Renee Parker, Business Services Associate Director for Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County.
The Teacher Externship Grant will be executed through a strategic partnership between Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County (WSTC) and InterLink, Inc. Similar programs are being offered by Workforce Solutions Greater Dallas (WFSDallas) and Workforce Solutions for North Central Texas (WSNCT).
For more information including flyers and interest form links for both Employers and Educators please visit: https://workforcesolutions.net/job-seeker-services/specialized-programs/#teacherexternship .
###
About Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County
Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County (WSTC), under the direction of the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), is one of 28 local workforce development boards located throughout the state. WSTC’s primary goal is to meet the needs of Tarrant County 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. The 29-member Workforce Development Board (WDB) is made up of business and community leaders and is chaired by Tyrone Taylor. The WDB works in partnership with the Workforce Governing Board (WGB), which is composed of Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker, Arlington Mayor Jim Ross and chaired by Tarrant County Judge Tim O’Hare, to oversee Workforce services in Tarrant County. More information can be found at www.workforcesolutions.net or by calling 817.413.4000.
