EEA Program Highlights

A smiling woman with long hair, wearing a striped shirt, poses for a selfie in a colorful workspace filled with art supplies.

Emily Neal began her apprenticeship as part of the inaugural cohort in June 2023. After graduating with her ECE1 — Level 1 credentials the following summer, she decided to continue her education, working toward her ECE2 — Level 2 credentials as well. The Dell Foundation highlighted Mrs. Neal in an article focused on connecting education to immediate career choices and wage increases.

Read more: Mapping Credentials to Career Outcomes (Dell Foundation)

Three individuals standing indoors holding laptop computers, positioned together in an office or classroom setting with shelves and framed items in the background.

Through the partnership between Workforce Solutions for the Heart of Texas and McLennan Community College, apprentice students have quick, reliable access to technology. Dell laptops are given to each apprentice student for their coursework and on-the-job duties. After an apprentice graduates with their ECE1 — Level 1 credentials, if they choose to "Level Up," they keep their device. After completing ECE2 — Level 2 requirements, the laptop becomes the personal property of the student — a reward for investing in themselves! Internet hot spots and mobile phone recording devices are also available for use from the EEA program technology library.