The Temple High School CTE program and a teacher were recognized by Workforce Solutions of Central Texas for their VITA program.
TEMPLE, Texas — Temple High School’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) program was recognized by Workforce Solutions of Central Texas (WSCT) this October, with the program and a teacher being presented with Phoenix Awards.
The program was recognized at Workforce Solutions’ Phoenix Awards Luncheon in Killeen on Thursday, Oct. 30.
The Phoenix Awards “celebrate individuals, businesses and organizations that strengthen the Central Texas workforce,” Temple ISD said.
In addition to the program, Temple High School accounting teacher Jessica Cuellar was also presented with a Phoenix Award for partnering with WSCT and the United Way of Central Texas for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) initiative.
Eleven Temple High School seniors participated in the VITA program, helping more than 200 community members with tax returns, the district said. Community members who participated in the program reportedly saw over $300,000 in total refunds.
Temple ISD said Workforce Solutions welcomed the students involved in the program into a paid work-experience track under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, which allowed the students to earn money and receive transportation support while participating.
Cuellar oversees Temple High School’s participation in the VITA program, according to the district. In their description of their award to Cuellar, WSCT said the VITA program let students “build a solid foundation in tax fundamentals and practiced real-world soft skills, active listening, professionalism, confidentiality and empathy, through mock interviews and supervised client sessions.”
Workforce Solutions of Central Texas said Temple High School’s CTE program “proved that academic excellence, workforce readiness and community engagement can flourish together. This award celebrates a program that turns learning into leadership and delivers lasting benefit to Central Texas.”
“The Wildcat Workforce appreciates this impactful internship initiative,” said Sara Bartlett, director of Career and Technical Education for Temple ISD. “This opportunity is designed to be mutually beneficial, offering a paid internship while simultaneously providing essential services that deliver a positive impact on the local community. We appreciate the Workforce Solutions of Central Texas and the United Way of Central Texas for partnering with us for this initiative.”
Temple ISD CTE students were also reportedly involved in the annual luncheon. The district said the program designs and produces custom trophies handed out at the event.
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