Tyler ISD is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of eight outstanding students in the LINK 18+ Program who have officially graduated and received their diplomas! These determined and talented students include Mia Dickerson, Jair Egan, Alyssa Ledesma, Danica Wetmore, Riley Harris, Ryan Record, and De von Simpson from Tyler Legacy High School, and Angel Rodriguez from Tyler High School.
The Learning Independence and New Knowledge (LINK) program, located on the Tyler Junior College (TJC) West Campus and in businesses throughout the community, helps students with special needs develop vocational and independent living skills. The LINK Class of 2025 is the 15th class to participate in the LINK 18+ Program at TJC West.
“We are so grateful for everyone who makes this journey to adulthood and independence possible,” said Tyler ISD Student Support Coordinator Abby Dominy. “From our Tyler ISD team and LINK instructors to our host partner, Tyler Junior College, and the many community businesses that support work-based learning, each has played a vital role in helping these students build purposeful, fulfilling adult lives. We also thank the families of our LINK graduates, whose love and support have been essential every step of the way.”
Over the last five years, the LINK Program has partnered with numerous local businesses to provide students with real-world job experience, including Rose City Arts & Gifts, Hangers of Hope, Weird & Different Clothing Store, ReStore by Habitat for Humanity, Shelley Drive Animal Clinic, Chick-fil-A at Broadway Square Mall, Papa John’s, Goodwill Store, Goodwill Industries (John Carney Road), The Heights Senior Care Center, Reunion Plaza Senior Care Center, Caldwell Arts Academy, Discovery Science Place, Tyler Public Library, Starbrite Equestrian Center, the Tyler ISD Gary Administrative and St. Louis Buildings, and the Tyler ISD Transportation Department.
Of the eight graduating students, six are already employed. They will continue working at Reunion Plaza Senior Care Center, Papa John’s, Goodwill Industries, Hangers of Hope, and a local construction company. The other two will continue developing job readiness skills through Texas Workforce-Vocational Rehabilitation or participate in community-based activities with their families.
For more information, contact Jennifer Hines at Jennifer.Hines@TylerISD.org.
