About the Program Our Partners Distinguished Employers of Fort Worth Teens List More Information

About the Program

The Distinguished Employers of Fort Worth Teens (DEFWT) is a formal pledge made by employers that they will practice specific supportive behaviors to help students create a balance between school and work so that they are successful at both. 

For example:

* Providing incentives and recognition at work for students’ performance in school

* Insisting on school enrollment for school-age teens

* Arranging student schedules with flexibility to allow for school events or test days

* Limiting student employment to no later than 10 p.m. on school nights.

The Chamber developed and launched this program in 2007 to implement the FWISD Project Prevail school completion initiative, and because 25 percent of Fort Worth teens are employed while in high school.   

The DEFWT program is guided by a Leaders Council of selected employers in the major industry sectors where students work. In its first year of operation 2008-2009, 23 employers with 90 separate locations, encompassing nearly 1000 students, participated.  The second year, 2009-2010, includes 34 employers with over 100 locations and over 1100 youth.

The program provides teens with opportunities to learn important life skills, and acquire hands-on experience, career/college readiness and income while developing relationships with local employers. Employers increase their skills in managing teens, our future full-time workforce.

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply, you must employ current Fort Worth ISD students and pledge to implement proven best teen employment practices as listed on the application.

Once issued, the designation is good for one year and renewal application will be required.

Employer Benefits

• Provided with decals, certificates and program logo to use for teen employees recruitment.
  
  
• Community recognition through news release, reception ceremony and other community-based recognition planned by the program partners.
  
  
• Designation is good an entire year. A renewal application will be required.

Employer Application

Please download the brief application below and submit to Cynthia Fisher Miller.

Click to see photos from the Dec. 15, 2009 recognition event.

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Our Partners

Stay-In-School Initiative Co-Chairs

• John Avila, Jr., President and CEO - Thos. S. Byrne, Ltd.
  Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
  
  
• Robert F. Pence, President and CEO - Freese and Nichols, Inc.
  Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce
  
  
• Ernest L. Thomas, Ph.D., President - Tarrant County College, South Campus
  Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce

Collaborative Community Partners

What Distinguished Employers of Fort Worth Teens Are Saying

“We are so excited about the potential of this program - helping Fort Worth teens be successful in school and on the job is important to us. The Zoo works to be a real partner in creating an environment that supports their future, and helps prepare them to graduate from high school ready for higher education and/or the work force.” Sondra Bowden, Fort Worth Zoo

“At McDonald's, we believe the leaders of tomorrow are working in our restaurants today. We recognize the pivotal role that education plays in equipping students for success. We are excited to be a part of the Distinguished Employer of Fort Worth Teens program.” June D. Hoffman, Hoffman McDonald’s Organization

“The great thing about the Distinguished Employers of Fort Worth Teens program is that it encourages our company not only to continue our best practices relating to our teen employees, but to also entertain implementing additional best practices that support their employment and high school completion.”
Cristi Dewveall, Mexican Inn

"I have participated on the Teen Leadership Committee to represent the entrepreneurs of Fort Worth as well as the wonderful teens of our ISD.  Teresa's Treasures chose to be a charter participant in the program to show our commitment to educate and train tomorrow's leaders and to share its importance with other business owners across the community." Teresa Nelson, Teresa’s Treasures

"As I was reading through the practices it game me a great idea for our 2009 retention program. We might start implementing more of these practices not only for our high school students but also for our college students as well."
Sue Vongnarath, North Texas recruiter for UPS

"Our business model and profit centers depend on teen help even after 10 p.m. However, we value our teen employees, and can immediately begin providing incentives and rewards for school attendance and performance."
Tadd Mansilla, general manager of Rave Motion Pictures, Ridgmar 13

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More information

Download our printable materials

	Fact Sheet		Why Become Involved
	2009-2010 Employer Application		2009-2010 Employers List

 

Have more questions?

Cynthia Fisher Miller
Senior Director of Workforce and Education
Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce
o: 817-338-3360
f: 817-877-4034

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