Rural Texans Matter
iGROW is a four-year pre-employment and leadership-training 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
2025
- Age 14: 30
- Age 15: 39
- Age 16: 24
- Age 17: 15
- Age 18: 4
- Age 19: 1
iGROW Program Outcomes — Year in Review
Pre-Employment Transition Services taught.
Agreed to employ iGROW students.
Participated in Paid Work Experience (PWE), ~6,344 hours earning $65,490.
Participated in Summer Skills Training focusing on Pre-ETS & Career Development.
College visits, job shadowing, mock interviews, guest speakers.
Youth leadership & college exploration camp (YAP).
Parent & community trainings across Central, East, West Texas.
Rural districts & Texas Workforce Commission VR staff working together.
We would love to recognize and thank the following businesses for their willingness to participate in the iGROW Paid Work Experience for the Summers of 2022-2025. You are appreciated by our entire team, families and students!
PWE Employers from Summer 2022-2025
- REIS Elevator Services
- Giddings Veterinary Clinic
- Lopez Auto Clinic
- The Grapevine Boutique
- Pieratts Pharmacy
- Goodson’s Lumber
- Carmine Feed & Fertilizer
- Grimm Feeds
- Lexington Animal Clinic
- Lexington Feed and Farm
- 6G Heritage Flower Farm
- Shoppa’s Farm Supply
- Reactive Physical Therapy
- Circle C Boutique
- Sweets by Liz
- Country Greenhouse
- City of Giddings
- Salon 77
- Constant Current Electrical Services
- Goodson Voight Lumber
- Weise Farms
- Fitness Solutions
- Christiansen Brothers Construction
- Oltman Excavation
- Down Home Ranch
- Bec’s Blessing
- My Friend’s House
- Swirl and Curl
- Ruby and Begonia
- Titus Regional Medical Center
- Emma Flores Insurance
- Ignite Youth Club
- KidFirst
- Mt. Pleasant Art Society
- Patrick Creppel Welding
- The Secret Garden Florist
- Schultz Real Estate
- Kubiak Dental
- Lee County Body Shop
- Travis Weiser- Engineering
- Meagan Orsag – LeeCo Honey
- Little House on the Corner
- Matt Turner- 3B Ranch
- City of Lexington
- We Stitch
- LG Print
- The Retreat
- Gardenia Janssen Animal Shelter
Our Team
Texas A&M University Leadership
-
Kelly Majewski, M.Ed. — iGROW Program Director
kellymajewski@tamu.edu
-
Kortni Collins, M.Ed. — North West Texas iGROW Program Coordinator
kortni.collins@tamu.edu
-
Echo Johnson, Ed.D. — North East Texas iGROW Program Coordinator
echojohnson@tamu.edu
-
Angie Hodde, M.Ed. — South Central Texas iGROW Program Coordinator
angie.hodde@tamu.edu
-
Mike Burns — North Central Texas iGROW Program Coordinator
mikeburns@tamu.edu
Resources
Workforce Development Resources
- Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas
- Work-Based Learning:
Opportunities for industry tours, job shadowing, and internships. - In-Demand Occupations: Careers with high growth potential and above-average wages in West Central Texas.
- Hendrick Medical Center Workforce Development
- Opportunities for Students:
- Healthcare Academy (9th–12th grade)
- Dual Credit Scholarships
- Tuition reimbursement for medical career pathways
B. Statewide Workforce Exploration
- Jobs Y’all:
Resource to explore Texas industries, including Reality Check and Career Check tools. - Texas OnCourse – Students and Families:
Trusted resource for graduation requirements, endorsements, and career planning.
Roadtrip Nation – Road Map:
Match interests to careers with videos of real professionals.
Transition Planning and Disability Resources
- Real-life Examples and Advice:
- Abigail’s Advice (English)
- Daylan’s Advice (English)
- Sydney’s Advice (English)
- Juan’s Advice (Spanish)
- Animated Video Series:
B. Key Guides and Resources
Career Development and Training
Partner and Community Organizations
Additional Reading and Financial Resources
- RAISE Guide on Disability and Mental Illness
- Harvard Business Review:
- Exceptional Parent Magazine: