About the Program Our Partners & Sponsors Distinguished Employers of Fort Worth Teens List More Information

About the Program

The Distinguished Employers of Fort Worth Teens (DEFWT) is a formal pledge made by employers that they will practice specific supportive behaviors to help students create a balance between school and work so that they are successful at both. 

For example:

* Providing incentives and recognition at work for students’ performance in school
* Insisting on school enrollment for school-age teens
* Arranging student schedules with flexibility to allow for school events or test days
* Limiting student employment to no later than 10 p.m. on school nights.

The Chamber developed and launched this program in 2007 to implement the FWISD Project Prevail school completion initiative, and because 25 percent of Fort Worth teens are employed while in high school.   

The DEFWT program is guided by a Leaders Council of selected employers in the major industry sectors where students work. Some 69 employers in 288 locations have become involved, employing nearly 2,000 youth.

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply, you must employ current Fort Worth ISD students and pledge to implement proven best teen employment practices as listed on the application.

Once issued, the designation is good for one year and renewal application will be required.

Employer Benefits

• Provided with decals, certificates and program logo to use for teen employees recruitment.
  
  
• Community recognition through news release, reception ceremony and other community-based recognition planned by the program partners.
  
  
• Designation is good an entire year. A renewal application will be required.

Employer Application

Please download the brief application below and submit to Cynthia Fisher Miller.

Click to see photos from the September 2011 recognition event.

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Our Partners

Stay-In-School Initiative Co-Chairs

• John Avila, Jr., President and CEO - Thos. S. Byrne, Ltd.
  Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
  
  
• Robert F. Pence, President and CEO - Freese and Nichols, Inc.
  Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce
  

Collaborative Community Partners

Sponsors

What Distinguished Employers of Fort Worth Teens Are Saying

“The Zoo works to be a real partner in creating an environment that supports their future, and helps prepare them to graduate from high school ready for higher education and/or the work force.” Sondra Bowden, Fort Worth Zoo

“At McDonald's, we believe the leaders of tomorrow are working in our restaurants today. We recognize the pivotal role that education plays in equipping students for success.” June D. Hoffman, Hoffman McDonald’s Organization

"As I was reading through the practices it gave me a great idea for our retention program. We might start implementing more of these practices not only for our high school students but also for our college students as well."
Sue Vongnarath, North Texas recruiter for UPS

"We're very flexible with the students' work schedules, putting their school priorities first."
Tadd Mansilla, general manager of Rave Northeast Mall.

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More information

Download our printable materials

	Fact Sheet		Why Become Involved
	2012-2013 Employer Application		2011-2012 DEFWT Employers List

 

Have more questions?

Cynthia Fisher Miller
Senior Director of Workforce and Education
Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce
p: 817-338-3360
f: 817-877-4034

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