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June 20, 2023, Filed Under: Uncategorized

E4Texas: Empowering Students for Employment Success

E4Texas Senior Program Outreach Coordinator

Kathleen Hernandez

Are you eager to pave your path to employment success? Look no further than E4Texas, the program that embraces your potential and equips you with the tools for a rewarding career. In this post, we’ll delve into how E4Texas prepares students with or without disabilities for employment through its inclusive program, personalized support, and a commitment to fostering self-confidence. Get ready to embark on a journey of empowerment and discover the possibilities that lie ahead!

Unleashing Potential through Comprehensive Training:

E4Texas believes in the transformative power of education and training for ALL. The program offers curriculum designed to nurture the skills and knowledge essential for employment success. Through a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on experiences, and real-world training, students gain a marketable understanding of their chosen fields. From communication skills and problem-solving, to professionalism and critical thinking, E4Texas hones the skills that employers value most.

Personalized Support for Professional Growth:

At E4Texas, your dreams matter. That’s why the program provides personalized support tailored to the unique needs and goals of our students. At the beginning of your program before you even step foot in a classroom, we meet with students on-on-one to get a better understanding of their unique goals, strengths, and support needs. Through individualized coaching, mentors, and career advisors, students receive personalized guidance and encouragement every step of the way. Whether it’s resume building, interview preparation, or networking strategies, E4Texas ensures our students have the resources and support to navigate the complexities of the professional world. We’re here to help unlock potential and help students excel in their chosen career path, and beyond.

Building Confidence through Practical Experiences:

Confidence is key when it comes to employment success, and E4Texas understands that. The program goes beyond classroom learning by incorporating practical experiences that boost hands-on experience and confidence. From internships and volunteer work, to project-based assignments, students have the opportunity to apply their skills in real-world settings. This hands-on approach not only builds confidence but also provides valuable insights into industry dynamics and professional expectations.

Fostering Professional Networks:

Networking plays a pivotal role in today’s job market, and E4Texas recognizes its significance. The program actively fosters opportunities for students to connect with community partners, potential employers, and program alumni. Through networking events, workshops, and mentorship programs, E4Texas creates a supportive environment that expands your professional network beyond your time in the program. By forging meaningful connections, you’ll gain access to peer support and potential career pathways.

Promoting Inclusion and Advocacy:

E4Texas is committed to promoting inclusivity and advocating for equal opportunities in the workforce. The program equips all students with the knowledge and tools to navigate workplace challenges, including understanding and advocating for their rights, requesting accommodations, and fostering inclusive environments. By developing self-advocacy skills, E4Texas empowers students to embrace their strengths, assert their needs, and thrive in diverse workplaces.

E4Texas is so much more than just a program; it’s a transformative experience that prepares students for rewarding employment opportunities for an enriching life. Through its comprehensive training, personalized support, and emphasis on fostering self-confidence, E4Texas equips students with and without disabilities with the skills and mindset needed to excel. Whether through practical experiences, networking opportunities, or advocating for inclusivity, E4Texas is dedicated to empowering our students to reach their full potential.

Get ready to embark on a journey of growth, seize opportunities, and embrace the limitless possibilities that lie ahead with E4Texas. Your employment success starts here!

To learn more about the E4Texas program, visit our website or email Kathleen Hernandez at kathleen.hernandez@austin.utexas.edu

June 5, 2023, Filed Under: Uncategorized

Living on the University of Texas at Austin Campus with E4Texas: Explore how living on campus during the upcoming summer semester helps E4Texas students unlock their potential and cultivate essential life skills

Senior Outreach Program Coordinator

Kathleen Hernandez

Whitis Court is one of the residence halls that has housed the E4Texas students.

Embarking on a journey towards independence and personal growth, the E4Texas program offers students a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in college campus life. By living on the vibrant campus of the University of Texas at Austin during the summer semester, students in the E4Texas program not only gain valuable academic knowledge, but also develop crucial life skills that will serve them well in their future goals. In this post, we’ll explore how living on campus during the summer semester helps students unlock their potential and cultivate essential life skills.

Creating a Home Away from Home

For many E4Texas students, the summer semester marks the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. Living on the University of Texas at Austin campus provides them with a unique opportunity to create a home away from home. Through residence hall living, students experience the joys and challenges of independent living in a supportive environment. From managing their own living space to navigating communal areas, students develop a sense of responsibility, self-reliance, and adaptability that will benefit them throughout their lives.

Embracing Independence

The summer semester is a pivotal time for students to embrace their newfound independence. With the support of E4Texas staff and fellow students, individuals can explore their personal boundaries and expand their comfort zones. From learning to handle daily chores and responsibilities to managing their schedules and finances, students gain valuable insights into the practical aspects of independent living. This newfound independence fosters a sense of confidence and self-assurance that will serve as a solid foundation for their future endeavors.

Navigating Campus Life

Living on the University of Texas at Austin campus allows E4Texas students to immerse themselves in a vibrant community filled with diverse opportunities. From attending classes to participating in extracurricular activities, students have the chance to navigate the intricacies of campus life. They become familiar with the various facilities, such as libraries, dining halls, and recreational centers, while also learning to navigate public transportation systems. These experiences empower students to become active participants in their communities and develop essential problem-solving and social skills.

Cultivating Time Management

In the fast-paced world we live in, effective time management is a skill that can make all the difference. During the summer semester, E4Texas students are exposed to a multitude of responsibilities, including attending classes, engaging in program activities, and pursuing personal interests. Balancing these demands requires effective time management and organizational skills. By creating schedules, prioritizing tasks, and meeting deadlines, students develop the ability to manage their time efficiently, a skill that will serve them well in their future academic and professional pursuits.

Building Lasting Relationships

Living on campus during the summer semester allows E4Texas students to forge meaningful connections and build lasting relationships. Through shared experiences, communal living, and engaging in program activities, students have the opportunity to connect with their peers, program staff, and members of the university community. These relationships provide a support network that extends beyond the summer semester and fosters personal growth, collaboration, and a sense of belonging.

The summer semester is a transformative experience for E4Texas students that goes beyond academics. It is an opportunity for students to live on campus and develop essential life skills, embrace independence, and cultivate a sense of belonging. By creating a home away from home, navigating campus life, honing time management skills, and building meaningful relationships, students lay the foundation for a successful and fulfilling future.

May 31, 2023, Filed Under: Uncategorized

E4Texas 2022-23 Graduation Ceremony

E4Texas Senior Outreach Program Coordinator

Kathleen Hernandez

The E4Texas 2022-23 Graduation Ceremony was held on May 13th at the Steve Hicks School of Social Work.  It is with immense pride and joy that we recognize our graduates for their dedication, hard work, and successful completion of the program.

Over the past year, these exceptional individuals have embarked on a transformative journey, acquiring the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their chosen career track. Through their unwavering commitment and determination, they have demonstrated a dedication to furthering their education and for making a positive impact on the lives of those in need. They have gained invaluable insights into delivering exceptional care, and actively engaged in education for supporting their own independence and well-being.

To the families, friends, and loved ones who have supported our graduates throughout their journey, we express our deepest gratitude. Your encouragement, understanding, and unwavering belief in their potential have played an instrumental role in their success.

Once again, congratulations to the E4Texas 2022-23 graduates! We are immensely proud of your accomplishments and wish you a future filled with continued success, fulfillment, and the satisfaction that comes from making a positive impact on the lives of others. We have no doubt that you will continue to make a profound difference in our community through the lives of those entrusted to your care. As these graduates embark on their careers, we encourage them to embrace new challenges, continuously seek knowledge and growth, and approach their work with pride. We have full confidence that they will be outstanding ambassadors for the E4Texas Program and their chosen career path.

To learn more about the E4Texas Program and the remarkable achievements of our graduates, please visit our website. Stay connected with us on our social media channels, including Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to join us in celebrating their success, and to stay informed about future program updates and events.

Daniel Myers gives the closing remarks.
The 2022-23 Valedictorian was Alejandro Alvarez.
The 2022-23 Class Salutatorian was Eliana Bautista.
Emily Shryrock provides the keynote address.
Project Coordinator Joe Tate provides the audience with an overview of the program.
Academic Enrichment Assistant, Meghan Schrader, addresses the crowd. 
Program Coordinator Destiny Garza welcomes everyone to the ceremony.

May 31, 2023, Filed Under: Uncategorized

Unlocking Your Future: E4Texas – Empowering Abilities for Lifelong Success!

E4Texas Senior Outreach Program Coordinator

Kathleen Hernandez

E4Texas Student, female with blonde hair and brown eyes, in graduation cap, smiling.

Picture this: a world where abilities shine brighter than disabilities, where individuality is not only recognized but celebrated, and success knows no limits. That’s precisely the world E4Texas envisions and works tirelessly to create. With its comprehensive vocational training tracks and unwavering commitment to fostering independence, E4Texas is a tuition-based post-secondary opportunity at the University of Texas at Austin for people with or without a disability, who are over the age of 18, who have a high school diploma, and are employment focused. E4Texas stands out as a beacon of hope for ALL individuals seeking a fulfilling career and a life of purpose.

Are you ready to embark on a transformative journey towards independence, personal growth, and a brighter future? Look no further! Welcome to the E4Texas, where dreams become reality, and barriers are shattered. In this post, we’ll walk you through our three-semester program, showcasing its innovative approach, and the extraordinary opportunities offered to our students.

Welcome to E4Texas: The Summer Semester

E4Texas is not your ordinary vocational training program. During our first semester, we’ll set students up for success by developing a foundation of basic skills needed for independent living. Students live in a dorm right on the University of Texas at Austin campus, allowing for an approachable and inclusive environment to develop crucial independent living skills for long-term success. Living on-campus provides an opportunity to develop self-determination skills by engaging in practical experiences, like embarking on outings to learn how to navigate the vibrant city of Austin using public transportation. Students will also attend classes designed to enhance their social and professional skills. This transition to independent living serves as an empowering shift towards self-sufficiency and prepares students for life beyond the program.

Diving Deeper: The Fall Semester

As the vibrant energy of summer transitions into fall, E4Texas students build upon the foundation laid during the summer and are introduced to various career training tracks carefully designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in specific fields. Students can choose to learn about three career tracks: Paraprofessional, Child Care Associate, and/or personal care attendant. Students audit classes on the University of Texas campus, and can demonstrate their knowledge using methods that suit their individual strengths. Tutoring, mentoring services, and access to assistive technology are also available to students if needed, ensuring students have the support and guidance they need to thrive. In addition to classroom hours, this semester students engage in volunteer work with our community partner organizations. Through volunteering, students practice their professional skills, becoming further equipped with the skills needed to succeed.

In the Home Stretch: The Spring Semester

The journey continues during the Spring Semester. During this exciting phase, students have the opportunity to apply their newfound skills and knowledge in real-world settings through internships in the community. This immersive experience allows students to gain valuable hands-on experience, establish professional connections, and solidify their career aspirations while wrapping up their classroom coursework. After successful completion of this semester, students attend E4Texas graduation and receive a Certificate of Completion from the Texas Center for Disability Studies at the University of Texas Austin.

A World of Possibilities

Think of it as a rollercoaster ride of self-discovery, personal growth, and unforgettable memories. Our students will be challenged, inspired, and supported every step of the way. At E4Texas, education is not just about acquiring knowledge; it’s about fostering a sense of belonging, encouraging collaboration, and igniting your inner spark. By completing the program, students not only gain marketable skills and knowledge, but also experience personal and professional transformation. They emerge as capable, confident individuals ready to make a positive impact in their communities. The program sets them on a path towards fulfilling careers, personal growth, and a brighter future.

If you’re ready to embark on an enriching journey of personal and professional growth, consider joining E4Texas and unlock a world of possibilities. Your dreams and aspirations await in this exceptional program that values inclusivity, excellence, and the limitless potential within each individual.

To learn more or submit your application, visit our website.

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