iGROW Project
I Generate Rural Opportunities for WorkThe intended outcomes of iGROW is to provide students with disabilities pre-employment training and workplace readiness activities that will support students with disabilities within the rural area with pre-employment skills. In addition, the iGROW project will serve as a demonstration and model of pre-employment training for rural areas that can lead to change while advancing pre-employment training for rural youth at the state level. The first iGROW site is located in Lee County, Texas. The Center on Disability and Development (CDD) at Texas A&M University has collaborated with local schools, families, businesses, and partnered with the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Vocational Rehabilitation (VR).
- 16 Pre-Employment Skills lessons via the NextUP Transition curriculum,
- Person-centered planning with a goal of employment provided by trained facilitators. The PCT Facilitators will design and provide activities for students to identify career goals, social and independent living skills necessary for that career, as well as the steps necessary to reach their goals. Students will practice self-advocacy skills with the support of project staff and trainers throughout the development and dissemination of their plan. Developing a person-centered plan with a goal of employment will lead to the pursuit of a career, rather than just a job. The Person-Centered Plan for employment is much more than a road map that supports and guides students toward their career goals. This training helps students gain autonomy for their own lives and planning and teaches them to create and communicate their own employment goals.
- Career/College Exploration Enrichment Opportunities such as presentations from local business owners and employers and college campus visits
- (1) Summer work and/or (2) Summer Camp with a focus on leadership, career/college exploration, independent living as approved by the VR Counselor. Student will apply for participation in one of the youth leadership and pre-employment summer programs or work-based learning opportunities in their county.
- Parent and community training will be offered as well as opportunities for transition-related agencies and organizations to share information with the community.
The program focuses primarily on four of the five core Pre-ETS 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
- Instruction in self-advocacy
iGrow Media
Check out our on-air advocate broadcasts for iGROW: Meeting the needs of Texas Youth with Disabilities in Rural Communities and watch our program video.
Project Successes
Success Stories
Outcomes from Year 1 (Spring – Summer 2022)
- 19 students who have received Pre-Employment Transition Skills (Pre-ETS) instruction with teachers,
- 19 students who finished up their first person-centered plans with goals for employment this spring,
- 17 student applications were submitted for Summer Earn and Learn (SEAL) program with the Texas Workforce Commission and all of those 17 students will be working this summer via SEAL,
- 6 students will be participating in the Leadership Employability and Advocacy Project on the Texas A&M campus this summer, and
- 3 students will participate in the Youth Adventure Program on the Texas A&M campus this summer.
- Plus, we hosted a community/parent training in the community this spring.
- We hired a Program Coordinator, Angela Griffin
There is so much to be proud of here in Lee County!
Thank you to Local Employers
Thank you to our local businesses for working with us to host a student this summer. And thank you to the 5 educators who are working as transition educators this summer to support our students on the job. Thank you to our Lee County SEAL sites/employers!
Please share a “thank you” to these businesses for being willing to host a student for 5 weeks this summer and help them learn more about employability skills.
Local Summer Earn and Learn (SEAL) Business Sites:
Resources
School/ISD Contacts and Resources
- Giddings iSD: Kelly Majewski
- Lexington Middle School: Candace Wiser
- Lexington High School: Tina Woodward and Emily Smith
- View resources for counselors and teachers
Let's connect you with Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)
- Texas Workforce Commission: Working with Students
- Start my VR (Self Referral)
- Find your local VR Counselor
Contact TWC Vocal Rehabilitation Inquiries for more information.
- Phone: 512-936-6400
- Email: vr.office.locator@twc.texas.gov
- Include your name, phone number, and address including City, State, and Zip Code. Do not include your social security number or birthdate.
Texas Workforce Board: Rural Capital
Career Tools & Resources
Resources for Parents & Students
Resources for Employers
Job Fairs & Expos
Project Team
Leadership
Meagan Orsag
Co-Director, Center on Disability and Development
Texas A&M University
Email: meaganorsag@tamu.edu
School Leads and School Educators
Giddings ISD
David McDowell
School Educator
Giddings ISD
Lexington ISD
Candace Weiser
Lexington iGROW Campus Contact
School Lead, Lexington Middle School
Email: weiserc@lexingtonisd.net
Tina Woodward
Lexington iGROW Campus Contact
School Lead, Lexington High School
Email: woodwardt@lexingtonisd.net
Phyllis Hawkins
School Educator
Lexington Middle School
Jennifer Cross
School Educator
Lexington High School
Emily Smith
Lexington iGROW Campus Contact
School Lead, Lexington High School
Email: smithem@lexingtonisd.net
Dime Box ISD
TWC: Vocational Rehabilitation
Leslie Abbott
VR Regional Manager
