• Annually in June, the Fort Worth Independent School District partners with local businesses and organizations to provide the Summer Vital Link Middle School Program. The free, 2-week program is open to all rising ÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏ´óÈ« 7- 8th grade students.

    The purpose of the Summer Vital Link Middle School Program is to give students an opportunity to learn about careers and the work environment within our local community. Students, accompanied by ÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏ´óÈ« teachers, are assigned and placed with Vital Link partner businesses. Students will have an opportunity to learn about various types of careers, work alongside professionals on the job, experience hands-on activities, and make a connection between what is learned in school and applied in the workplace.

    The program began in 1991 and was developed by the American Business Conference’s Task Force. It is based on the principle that students can be motivated to achieve in school if they understand the “link” between academics and job skills.

    Summer Vital Link 2024 Dates

    • Session I: June 10-13
    • Session II: June 17- 20*
      *The district is closed Wednesday, June 19 for the Juneteenth holiday

     

  • Summer Vital Link Middle School Program Q&A

    How does Summer Vital Link Career Exploration work?

    Families complete an online application that includes permission for the student to participate. All students are accompanied by a teacher who supervises their work at the participating business.

    What are the benefits of Vital Link Summer Career Exploration Program?

    • Participation in the Summer Vital Link Middle School Program has proven to be beneficial to both students and businesses.
    • Students realize the importance of communication skills, team work, problem-solving, reading and writing, math, and technology skills in the workplace.
    • Businesses who have participated realize their role in helping to shape our future workforce.

    What is the role of Fort Worth ISD?

    • The Summer Vital Link Middle School Program is managed by the Fort Worth ISD division of Strategic Initatives and Partnerships.
    • Staff members recruit companies to participate, train teacher supervisors and develop student placement.
    • ÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏ´óÈ« provides round-trip bus transportation for students from designated campuses to participating business locations.

    What is the role of teacher supervisors?

    • Teacher supervisors guide all learning opportunities and facilitate the students’ experiences.
    • They also take a proactive approach by assisting employees in designing the week’s activities and making the Vital Link Summer Career Exploration Program connection for students.

    What is the role of participating businesses?

    • Commit to hosting at least 10 ÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏ´óÈ« students for a minimum of one-week, half-day.
    • Select a business representative that agrees to coordinate the activities with a Fort Worth ISD representative and teacher supervisor.
    • Complete an evaluation of the program at the end of the week.

    What is the program schedule?

    • Occurs annually in June, specific dates will vary from year to year.
    • Each summer hands-on career exploration session is one week: Monday- Thursday, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

2023 Photo Slideshow

2023 Partner Video

Summer Vital Link Video Feature