Four Madisonville CISD Special Education Students participated in Workforce Solutions Brazos Valley’s Summer Earn and Learn (SEAL) Program, which is aimed at Youth Vocational Rehabilitation Participants and was created as part of the organization’s commitment to build a support system for students with disabilities.

The four students spent time working at four local businesses throughout a five-week period during the summer. Christian Wilson worked at Standley Feed and Seed (located at 201 E Trinity Street in Madisonville), Curtis Ledbetter worked at Walker Co. LP Gas (400 W Main Street in Madisonville), Hannah Shadle worked at Mrs. Rita’s Daycare (114 York Drive in Madisonville) and Shawndrick Ross worked at Versatile Hair Studio (301B S Madison Street in Madisonville).

“It was a perfect pairing,” said MHS SPED teacher Suzanne Smith on the students being matched with the particular businesses listed above.

Ross receives his haircut at Versatile Hair Studio, which Smith stated is one of the things he has always done very independently. Wilson already spent time at Standley’s with his mother and Ledbetter was able to work under his father at Walker Co. LP Gas. Shadle was able to work under Donna O’Brien at Rita’s, who also works as a SPED teacher at MCISD.

“Something I really want to get across is a big thanks to those businesses,” said Smith. “They were able to take the skills that they have and expand on them. It could not have been possible without each one of them doing their part and being winning to say, ‘okay, let’s do this.’”

Smith, who expressed a desire for her students to enter ultimately the workforce on a permanent basis, stated they will be looking to continue with the program next year with even more kids. She also expressed gratitude towards MCISD as well as the Texas Workforce Commission for their unrelenting support.

“Our school district supports anything we want to be a part of, such as Texas Workforce Commission,” said Smith.

Texas Workforce Commission’s purpose through the SEAL program is to provide participants with meaningful work-based experiences that will develop them into strong candidates in the future.

Workforce underwrote the cost of the training program, enabling businesses and candidates to focus on achieving training.

“Our longterm goal is to assist all candidates obtain permanent job placement with a company that can utilize their skills while allowing them to meet or exceed their personal goals,” said the Texas Workforce Commission in a press release outlining the program.