Workforce Solutions for South Texas Launches TANF-Funded Summer Youth Employment Program
Laredo, TX — Workforce Solutions for South Texas has launched the Summer Paid Work Experience program, a new initiative designed to offer paid summer employment to low-income youth between the ages of 16 and 24. The program, funded through Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), will serve up to 40 young people this summer.
The initiative focuses on supporting both in-school and out-of-school youth, offering them real-world job opportunities and exposure to professional work environments. Participants will be placed in supervised worksites during summer break, where they will receive hands-on training that promotes experiential learning and personal growth.
“This program is especially important for youth who are not currently enrolled in school,” said Patricia Barrera, Project Director at Workforce Solutions for South Texas. “We are addressing the challenges these young people face by offering meaningful job experience, mentorship, and the chance to develop the skills needed to succeed—whether they return to education or transition directly into the workforce.”
The program will help young participants gain valuable work experience, connect with employers, and build soft skills such as communication, time management, and teamwork. It also encourages employers to offer training in roles that do not require traditional classroom education, opening doors to long-term career paths for local youth.
To be eligible for the Summer Paid Work Experience program, applicants must come from low-income families. This can be shown through participation in assistance programs such as TANF, SNAP, CHIP, Medicaid, WIC, public housing, subsidized childcare, or free or reduced-price school meals, or by meeting federal poverty guidelines.
In-school youth will complete six-week paid internships through nonprofit organizations that serve rural areas. Out-of-school youth will be matched with private-sector employers for six-week paid employment experiences designed to prepare them for future career or educational opportunities.
Beyond job placements, the program also offers mentorship, guidance, and access to resources that support long-term career growth. Workforce Solutions for South Texas continues its commitment to addressing local workforce needs and creating opportunities for future generations.
Interested youth are encouraged to fill out a pre-registration form at https://bit.ly/Summr25 or text the word SUMMER to 956-637-2979 for more information.