Today, Tyler ISD celebrated the accomplishments of students in the LINK 18+ Program during a special graduation ceremony held at the Tyler Junior College Rogers Palmer Performing Arts Center.
Now in its 16th year, the Learning Independence and New Knowledge (LINK) program continues to provide students with special needs opportunities to develop vocational, social, and independent living skills through hands-on experiences and real-world training opportunities. The program is located on the Tyler Junior College West Campus and at businesses throughout the community.
This year’s graduating class included Tyler Legacy High School students Grace Tate, Karen Ramirez, and Kelechi Oti, along with Tyler High School students Antonio Soria, Brianna Lindsay, Ganiya Johnson, and Jasmine Barker.
“LINK is about more than job training; it’s about building confidence, discovering strengths, and creating pathways to meaningful futures,” Tyler ISD College & Career Support Advisor Jacob Hudspeth said. “Every graduate here today represents determination, perseverance, and the power of community partnership. I cannot emphasize enough how remarkable the LINK team is in preparing these young adults for life beyond the program, equipping them with the skills, support, and confidence they need to succeed in the next chapter of their journey.”
Over the years, the LINK Program has partnered with numerous local businesses and organizations to provide meaningful work-based learning opportunities for students. Community partners have included 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 Industries, The Heights Senior Care Center, Reunion Plaza Senior Care Center, Caldwell Arts Academy, Discovery Science Place, Tyler Public Library, Starbrite Equestrian Center, and multiple Tyler ISD departments.
Through these partnerships, students gained valuable workplace experience while building confidence, communication skills, and greater independence. Families, educators, business partners, and community supporters also played an important role in helping LINK students prepare for successful futures beyond high school.
The graduation ceremony highlighted the meaningful impact of the LINK Program and celebrated the achievements of students who have developed the skills, confidence, and independence needed to take the next step toward adulthood and future success.
For more information, contact Jennifer Hines at Jennifer.Hines@TylerISD.org.