WSNCT Awarded Grant to Help Teachers Prepare Students for Careers

Arlington, Texas — March 27, 2025— Workforce Solutions for North Central Texas (WSNCT) is proud to announce that it has been awarded a Teacher Externship Grant from the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) for the upcoming FY25 Externships for Teachers Program. This prestigious grant will enable WSNCT to continue its critical work connecting teachers with industry leaders to enhance education and better prepare students for the workforce. 

WSNCT has successfully operated the Externships for Teachers program for three consecutive years, strengthening partnerships between educators and businesses to ensure educational programs are aligned with industry needs. The program has shown remarkable growth, with teacher participation increasing by 230% and industry partner involvement growing by 213% from the previous year. This exponential growth highlights the success and positive impact of the program in shaping the future workforce. 

The funding will allow WSNCT to expand the program, reaching approximately 140 middle and high school teachers across a 14-county region. The program will connect educators with industry partners across key sectors, including healthcare, technology, construction, and manufacturing, helping teachers gain hands-on, real-world experience that can be integrated into their curriculum. The six-day externship will feature five days of industry immersion, followed by a day of reflection and lesson plan creation, designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and career expectations. 

“We would highly recommend the Teacher Externship program to others,” said an industry partner from Options Plumbing. “It effectively bridges the gap in essential trade skills that are often undervalued, while also fostering collaboration between schools and local businesses.”

In addition to the externships WSNCT will team up with North Central Texas InterLink to collaborate on this project, as well as tapping into local economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, and regional education service centers to ensure strong engagement from school districts and employers. Through these collaborations, and regional approach, an anticipated 130 industry partners will participate. This program opens the door to continued collaboration between school districts and industry partners for various career exploration initiatives such as internships, job shadowing, and career days for students. 

Teacher externs will receive a $1,000 stipend upon successful completion of the program, and industry partners will benefit from the opportunity to help shape the next generation of workers. 

“We are thrilled to have the support of the Texas Workforce Commission to continue this impactful program,” said Phedra Redifer, Executive Director of WSNCT. “This grant will allow us to deepen our connections with local school districts and employers, ensuring we continue to prepare students for the rapidly evolving workforce.” 

As part of its ongoing commitment to workforce development, WSNCT is excited to offer this program to the 102 school districts in its service area. The Summer 2025 Externships for Teachers Program will take place from June 9-26, 2025, and will impact an estimated 22,400 students as teachers integrate their externship experiences into classroom lessons. 

About Workforce Solutions for North Central Texas 

WSNCT is dedicated to fostering a dynamic workforce by connecting employers, educators, and job seekers. Through its comprehensive workforce development programs, WSNCT serves a region encompassing 14 counties in North Central Texas. By facilitating partnerships between education and industry, WSNCT is committed to ensuring that today’s students are prepared for tomorrow’s jobs. 

For additional information about the Externships for Teachers Program or to learn more about how to get involved, visit www.dfwjobs.com.