Building futures: Dallas ISD WorkReady Program prepares students for life after graduation

(The HUB) – For seniors that cross the stage at graduation, Dallas ISD has launched a program to ensure they have the tools and resources they need to take the next step in their lives. The district’s WorkReady Program, organized by the district’s Workforce Development and Employer Relations department, has provided 1,383 internships to students, collaborated with 310 industry partners, and planned 9,860 engagement activities to get students ready to enter the professional world. Related Stories During the last school year, 200 instant job offers were extended to seniors who participated in the program. And, between 2021 and 2023, students earned an estimated $2 million to invest in their futures. At the latest Dallas ISD Board of Trustees briefing, Michael Gagne, executive director of Workforce Development and Employer Relations, presented the workforce development update in collaboration with Brian Lusk, deputy superintendent of Academics and Transformation, and Tiffany Huitt-Powell, Chief of School Leadership. “We believe our students are the economic engine that’s going to fuel the workforce for this region,” Gagne said. “And as such, we really need to prepare them to be successful in high growth, high demand, high wage jobs.” Through the WorkReady program, students get hands-on experience that...