Tyler ISD, in partnership with the Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Services, proudly honors McAlister’s Deli as the September 2025 B.R.I.D.G.E. Partner of the Month. This award recognizes McAlister’s outstanding commitment to inclusive practices and empowering students from the CONNECT 18+ program at the Wayne D. Boshears Center.
Inclusive businesses like McAlister’s Deli play a vital role in our community by opening their doors to students with diverse abilities, providing them with meaningful, real-world work experiences in integrated settings. Each week, McAlister’s graciously welcomes students who develop valuable skills such as using visuals to refill sweetener caddies and maintaining a spotless dining environment by cleaning tables and chairs. These opportunities enrich our students’ lives and create a welcoming atmosphere for McAlister’s customers.
This partnership exemplifies the spirit of a B.R.I.D.G.E. Partner—Businesses Reaching Individuals Determined to Gain Employment—and highlights how Tyler ISD and Texas Workforce VR collaborate to make a positive impact on our workforce. As our Tyler ISD Vocational Services motto states, “Big Dreams. Real Skills.” Through internships and supported employment, students can transfer skills from a classroom to the real-world setting, potentially gaining their first paid jobs, and building a foundation for lifelong career success.
Terry Farley, CONNECT teacher, states that this work-based learning partnership gives his students the opportunity to grow beyond the classroom. Students can take all the years of instruction that have been provided to them and use that knowledge to expand their independence by generalizing the lessons/skills to the real world. Farley is deeply grateful to McAlister’s for providing real-life work experiences – even simple tasks like refilling sweetener caddies or cleaning tables – build lifelong skills for his students. Opportunities like this open doors to employment, community inclusion, and greater self-worth proving that small tasks can have a big impact on long-term success.
Cory Burke, General Manager of McAlister’s Deli, noted this unique partnership provides his team with a positive experience in giving back to the community. He understands the “It takes a village” mentality, and he loves that his McAlister’s team can be a part of that village by providing a work-based learning experience for students every Friday in the restaurant. Burke noted that allowing students to come in for work-based learning is very fulfilling; and expressed how much they enjoy getting to watch students learn and grow in both their skills and independence.
Get Involved
Interested in joining Tyler ISD Vocational Services and Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation Services in empowering students through work-based learning? Learn how your business can make a difference by visiting our Vocational Services website. Tyler ISD is deeply grateful to McAlister’s Deli for their dedication and encouragement, helping our students become job-ready in a supportive environment. Their partnership truly is a win-win for Tyler ISD, Texas Workforce VR, and our entire community. Together, we build a stronger, more inclusive workforce where everyone can thrive.