Rural Texans Matter
iGROW is a four-year pre-employment and leadership-training program in partnership with TWC’s Vocational Rehabilitation Program, for up to 20 students with disabilities per year who are currently enrolled in high school (ages 14-22).
The purpose of the program is to provide a training environment to support students gain the necessary skills and experiences in work readiness in order to successfully transition into postsecondary education and/or competitive integrated employment.
Student-focused development
The program focuses primarily on five core Pre-ETS (Pre-Employment Transition Services) areas, which include:
- Counseling in post-secondary educational programs or college level courses
- Job Exploration Counseling
- Workplace Readiness training to develop social skills and independent living
- Work based learning experiences
- Instruction in self-advocacy
How do we implement pre-employment transition services in iGROW?
Pre-Employment Skills Training (NextUp Transition) taught by teachers during school (16+ lessons/year)
Person-Centered Planning for employment and postsecondary education during school
Exploring, exposure to, and connection with local employers and beyond
Work-based learning opportunities in student's communities (PWE; SEAL, etc)
Connecting students a with VR Counselor and other local resources to learn to advocate
Exploring colleges and technical programs related to career choice
Summer leadership, Career/College Exploration Camps
Project impact
2021
- Age 14: 10
- Age 15: 2
- Age 16: 3
- Age 17: 4
- Age 18: 0
2024
- Age 14: 38
- Age 15: 28
- Age 16: 11
- Age 17: 8
- Age 18: 3
Summer 2024 PWE Employers
We would love to recognize and thank the following businesses for their willingness to participate in the iGROW Paid Work Experience for the Summer of 2024. You are appreciated by our entire team, families and students!
- REIS Elevator Services
- Giddings Veterinary Clinic
- Lopez Auto Clinic
- The Grapevine Boutique
- Pieratts’s Pharmacy
- Goodson’s Lumber
- Carmine Feed & Fertilizer
- Grimm Feed
- Constant Current Electrical Services
- Lexington Animal Clinic
- Sweets by Liz
- Lexington Feed and Farm
- Downhome Ranch
- Shoppa’s Farm Supply
- Reactive Physical Therapy
- Circle C Boutique
- City of Giddings
- Salon 77
- Weise Farms
- City of Lexington
- Bec’s Blessing
- My Friend’s House
- Swirl and Curl
- Oltman Excavation
- Christiansen Brothers Construction
- Fitness Solutions
Our team
Texas A&M University Leadership
-
Kelly Majewski, M.Ed. — iGROW Program Director
kellymajewski@tamu.edu
-
Kortni Collins, M.Ed. — West Texas iGROW Program Coordinator
kortni.collins@tamu.edu
-
Echo Johnson, Ed.D. — East Texas iGROW Program Coordinator
echojohnson@tamu.edu
-
Angie Hodde, M.Ed. — Central Texas iGROW Program Coordinator
angie.hodde@tamu.edu