2026 SEAL Program Update

While many people think of summer as a time to take a break from school, sleep in, or enjoy a vacation, our Summer Earn and Learn [SEAL] interns have spent their summer gaining valuable workplace experience, building new skills, and earning an income while exploring future career opportunities.

This summer marked another successful year for the SEAL Program, with 32 participants completing the seven-week internship through CIS-HOT. As they officially receive their completion certificates on August 4, 2026 at their annual celebration, we applaud their commitment in learning new skills.

For the past seven weeks, CIS-HOT has partnered with Vocational Rehabilitation and Workforce Solutions, through the Texas Workforce Commission, to provide this impactful annual program. The SEAL Program takes place across the state of Texas and, “is designed to give students with disabilities hands-on work experience, pre-employment training, and paid compensation while preparing them for future education and employment opportunities.” (Texas Workforce Commission; www.twc.texas.gov)

The success of the SEAL Program depends on the commitment of local employers who open their doors and invest in this next generation of employees. On behalf of the clients we serve, we cannot thank you enough for your partnership this year.

  • 25 North

  • Bledsoe-Miller STEAM Center

  • Caritas of Waco

  • Central Faith Child Development Center

  • Communities in Schools of The Heart of Texas

  • City of Waco Library

  • Drug Emporium

  • EG Realty

  • Family of Faith Worship Center

  • Heart of Texas Goodwill

  • Hilton Hotel & Resorts- Downtown Waco

  • La Vega Veterinary Clinic

  • Little Monkey Boutique

  • PACC- Performing Arts Community Center

  • Residency at Ridgewood

  • Trigger Bear Coffee

  • Waco Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center

  • Westview Nursery

CISHOT Workforce Director, Shane Austin, shared his enthusiasm for the program, saying, "This is one of my favorite programs of the year. The kids make it worth it. They are so excited to participate."

As we celebrate another successful summer, we are already actively recruiting worksites for next year. Businesses and organizations interested in developing the future workforce while making a meaningful difference in a young person's life are encouraged to partner with us for the 2027 SEAL Program can contact our office at workforceprograms@cis-hot.org to learn more.

Keeli McNair