Webster Parish students are gaining valuable work experience thanks to an innovative employment initiative known as the Webster WORKS Program. This partnership between Webster Parish Schools and Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS) provides students with paid job opportunities while ensuring local businesses can support student growth at no cost.
In a significant milestone for the program, Ivan Smith Furniture of Springhill has become the first local business to partner with Webster WORKS. On February 20, North Webster High School senior Nicavius Glover officially signed on for his first paid job with Ivan Smith, marking a new chapter in workforce readiness for Webster Parish students. Ivan Smith Manager Marty Curtis welcomed Glover, expressing confidence in his ability to contribute positively to the team.
“We are happy to have Nicavius on board and are confident he will be a solid addition to the Ivan Smith staff,” Curtis said.
This opportunity is made possible through a Third-Party Contractual Agreement (TPCA) between Webster Parish Schools and LRS, allowing students to gain hands-on work experience while their salaries are fully reimbursed. The program aims to equip students with essential job skills through counseling, workplace readiness training, self-advocacy, short-term internships, job shadowing, and paid employment.
Special Education Coordinator Jill Hunter emphasized the significance of this partnership. “Today’s signing marks a major milestone and a giant step forward for the Webster WORKS program, something we have been working to establish over the past couple of years. Nicavius will thrive in his new job, and we are thrilled to have Ivan Smith as our first vendor.”
Jessica McKaskle, the district’s Transition Facilitator, echoed Hunter’s sentiments. “I am thrilled to see Nicavius take this exciting step into the workforce through the Pre-ETS program! This opportunity not only empowers him with real-world experience but also strengthens our community.”
Webster WORKS, which stands for Workforce Opportunities & Readiness for Key Skills, continues to grow, with additional vendors in Sibley and efforts underway to partner with the City of Minden. Businesses interested in participating must complete necessary paperwork, including W-9 and Vendor Request forms, before being eligible for reimbursement. Employers submit invoices at the end of each month, with LRS processing payments within 10 days.
School Board Member Debbie Thomas commended those spearheading the program. “I am especially proud of Ms. Jessica McKaskle for her hard work, along with Special Education Supervisor Mrs. Melanie Lewing and Mrs. Hunter, who have been the driving force behind this initiative. Mr. Curtis, we thank you for becoming the first partner. As a School Board member, I’m proud that North Webster Parish is leading the way, and I hope to see more businesses in Webster Parish get involved to help exceptional students learn job skills that will last a lifetime.”
Students enrolled in the Pre-ETS program can work up to 240 hours per job placement, with the opportunity to participate in three different employment experiences. Local businesses looking to support workforce development while benefiting from fully reimbursed student labor are encouraged to join the program.
For more information on how to become a vendor with the Webster WORKS Program, contact Transition Facilitator Jessica McKaskle at [email protected].
