Texas Transition Conference Highlights

Showcasing Work-Based Learning at the Texas Transition Conference.

Houston, TX – February 19th, 2025 – The Texas Transition Conference was abuzz with excitement as seven schools from across the state showcased their innovative projects at the Work-Based Learning Market. These schools are part of Texas A&M University's Center on Disability and Development’s Work-Based Learning Project, which provides $10,000 in funding to support student-led enterprises.

The market served as a platform for these schools to present their unique products and services, demonstrating the practical applications of their learning and the entrepreneurial spirit fostered by the program.

The participating projects included:

• Heights Printing Co, Alamo Heights ISD
• Scholarly Creations, Barbers Hill ISD
• Fizz and Friends, Friendswood ISD
• Editable Image Delights, Pharr San Juan Alamo ISD
• The Hive, Cleburne ISD
• Buckles and Beans, Belton ISD
• Project GROW, Arlington ISD

The Work-Based Learning Project Featured at the Texas Transition Conference

The Texas Transition Conference, held on February 19-21 in Houston, featured an inspiring keynote session on Work-Based Learning. Highlighted during the session were three exemplary school-based enterprises: Cleburne ISD’s The Hive, Pharr San Juan Alamo’s Pathways to Independence, and Midway ISD’s Panther Ink. Each of these innovative projects has been supported by Texas A&M University’s Center on Disability and Development’s Work-Based Learning Project.

These school-based enterprises showcased how students are gaining valuable employability skills by running their own businesses. During the keynote, representatives from each school shared insights into their projects' operations and the significant impact on student achievement.

Cleburne ISD’s The Hive focuses on manufacturing accessories, t-shirts, and wooden home goods. This initiative allows students to engage in hands-on learning, developing both technical and soft skills essential for future employment.

Pharr San Juan Alamo’s Pathways to Independence offers a diverse range of enterprises, including a school store, editable images, salsa sales, and a photo booth business. These varied ventures provide students with opportunities to explore different aspects of business management and customer service.

Midway ISD’s Panther Ink operates a copy center, where students learn about the intricacies of running a print business, from managing orders to maintaining equipment.

The keynote session emphasized the importance of these projects in preparing students for the workforce. By participating in these enterprises, students are not only gaining practical experience but also building confidence and independence.

The Texas Transition Conference continues to be a platform for sharing best practices and innovative approaches to education, with this year’s focus on Work-Based Learning highlighting the transformative power of hands-on, real-world experiences for students. 

For more information on the Work-Based Learning Project visit the website. 
https://cdd.tamu.edu/wbl-project/
 

PATHS Director, Leticia LaSota and PATHS student, Oliver Presented at the Texas Transition Conference

The PATHS Program with the Center on Disability and Development at Texas A&M University took center stage at the annual Texas Transition Conference, where Mrs. LaSota and Oliver, a second-year student, delivered an impactful presentation titled “Preparing Students for Competitive Employment.” The session, attended by educators, administrators, and transition specialists from across the state, highlighted key strategies to equip students with the skills necessary for success in today’s workforce. The presentation was well received, drawing strong engagement from attendees eager to learn how to better support students in transitioning from education to employment. The discussion emphasized the importance of hands-on training, career readiness, and the role of specialized programs like PATHS in bridging the gap between education and the workforce. Beyond the presentation itself, the conference served as a valuable platform for promoting the PATHS Program to educational leaders statewide. With a focus on preparing students for meaningful and competitive employment opportunities, the program aligns closely with the goals of transition professionals striving to enhance career pathways for students with diverse abilities.