More than 25% of Fort Worth ISD teenagers work in part-time or summer jobs, providing great opportunities for learning important life skills and acquiring hands-on experience and income. But striking a balance between school and work responsibilities is difficult, and many young workers are often faced with choosing one at the expense of the other.

Distinguished Employers of Fort Worth Teens supports those students in both their jobs and their school work.  The program is a collaborative effort between the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce and the Fort Worth ISD, along with community partners the Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Tarrant County and the city of Fort Worth.

“This is groundbreaking work,” Superintendent Melody Johnson told the employers at a recent reception in their honor.  “I’m not sure that this kind of action and commitment is happening in any other business community in the country.”

These business leaders endorse the Fort Worth ISD’s Project Prevail effort.  Project Prevail is a comprehensive effort to increase the number of students graduating from Fort Worth high schools fully prepared for post-secondary education or gainful employment.

“You can be proud of the effort you are making and proud of the young employees who tell me that they are already feeling the benefit of your nurture and support,” Dr. Johnson continued.

By agreeing to utilize specific best teen employment practices, Distinguished Employers encourage their teen employees to stay in high school until they graduate. Those practices include:

• Requiring school enrollment and attendance as a condition of employment 
• Providing incentives for school performance and attendance
• Not scheduling teens to work after 10 p.m. on school nights
• Supporting dropout recovery efforts
• Providing flexible hours and competitive wages
• Providing time for adult employees to attend student conferences