The Employment Innovations School, powered by Bread Financial, offers classes to individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), also known as Hugely Important People (HIPsters), that increase job readiness and vocational skills. We offer three levels of instruction: prevocational, general vocational, and industry-specific vocational training. Every HIPster begins with an assessment that identifies their strengths and starting point, and learning stays individualized from there. Some industry tracks include the opportunity to earn one or more industry-recognized certifications, and graduates of the industry tracks receive a certificate of completion from My Possibilities. While this is not an accredited program, industry leaders may endorse the industry-specific certifications.
Employment Innovations School
Learning at Different Levels
EIS offers several ways to learn and grow, designed around each HIPster’s development. Prevocational and general vocational courses build the essentials: communication, time management, following instructions, and growing independence, along with career exploration, resume development, and interview preparation. Industry-specific tracks offer focused training for HIPsters ready to pursue a career path. HIPsters in a track attend EIS three days a week, with two days devoted to their chosen field and one day dedicated to continued soft skill development. Each track builds from classroom learning toward a community-based internship experience, and HIPsters graduate with a certificate of completion.
Vocational training areas
Culinary Arts
The Culinary Arts program provides HIPsters practical training in food preparation, service, and customer relations. This space empowers HIPsters with the skills and confidence necessary to pursue successful careers in the food service industry.
Facilities
Our Facilities Lab provides hands-on training in the areas of facilities, environmental services, groundskeeping, and basic maintenance.
Retail
Our Retail Lab provides hands-on training in customer service, inventory management, operating a POS system, and fulfilling online orders for entry-level customer service and retail jobs. HIPsters will have the opportunity for paid internships in our on-campus retail endeavors.
Administrative Support
Our Administrative Lab focuses on hands-on training related to administrative services, mail room operations, and general office support.
Hospitality
Our Hospitality Lab provides training for jobs including corporate and hospitality reception, hotel event planning, set up, housekeeping, and host/hostessing. HIPsters will have the opportunity for paid internships in our on-campus reception area.
Work-Based Learning Experiences
Work-based learning is at the heart of EIS. HIPsters across all levels can apply their skills in real environments, including structured work experiences on campus, the MP Print Shop, the MP Cafe, facilities work, volunteering with community organizations, and job exploration out in the community. These experiences build confidence, independence, and workplace readiness.
Employment Consultants and the eMPloy Network
When a HIPster is ready to pursue employment, they are not on their own. My Possibilities Employment Consultants provide one-on-one support every step of the way, from job searching and resume development to interview preparation and on-the-job coaching, continuing until both the HIPster and employer feel confident in the role.
HIPsters are connected to opportunities through the eMPloy Network, our community of employer partners committed to inclusive hiring. All roles within the eMPloy Network are competitive, integrated employment positions, and hiring decisions are made by employers based on qualifications and fit.
Employment Consultant services are available through Texas Workforce Commission Vocational Rehabilitation (TWC-VR) funding or private pay. To learn more or get started, contact employmentservices@mptx.org.
Interested in joining our Employment Innovations School? Visit our FAQ page to learn more about the application process.