Tessera Summer Academy
Tessera Summer Academy equips students with disabilities with the training and hands-on experience needed to prepare them for employment. Students will explore career paths, learn workplace readiness and self-advocacy skills, and tour local businesses. By combining education with real-world exposure, the Tessera Summer Academy empowers students to take their first steps toward a successful future.
Pre-Employment Transition Services are developed in partnership with the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.
Tessera Summer Academy Registration
Tessera Summer Academy: Tools for the Trades is an exciting FREE opportunity to learn, train, and connect with real-world employers in skilled trades fields.
Hands-on Safety Training – Learn essential workplace safety skills for trades vocations.
Soft Skills for Success – Develop professional communication, teamwork, and workplace readiness.
Exclusive Job Tours – Visit local trades facilities to see trades careers in action.
Receive Training Based on OSHA-Recognized Standards
Red Cross First Aid – Have the opportunity to earn your Adult First Aid certification.
PAID Internship Opportunity – Students ages 18–22 who complete the full program are eligible to apply for a 40-hour paid summer internship, which begins after the Summer Academy workshops are completed. July 28th – August 15th.
Summer Academy Dates: June 30th – July 18th, Mon-Thurs, 8:30am-12pm
Location: Tessera Bremerton Office
Tessera Summer Academy: Mission Employment is an exciting FREE opportunity to learn, train, and connect with real-world employers while developing essential workplace skills.
Food Worker Card – Obtain a Washington State Food Worker Card to use for future employment.
Soft Skills – Develop professional communication, teamwork, and workplace readiness skills.
Job Tours –Visit local businesses to explore a variety of career fields.
Leadership Skills – Build a strong foundation of leadership skills.
First Aid Certification – Opportunity to earn Adult First Aid certification.
PAID Internship Opportunity – Students ages 18–22 who complete the full program are eligible to apply for a 40-hour paid summer internship, which begins after the Summer Academy workshops are completed. July 28th – August 22nd.
Summer Academy Dates: June 30th – July 18th, Mon-Thurs, 9am-12pm and 12:30pm-3:30pm
Location: Tessera Spokane Office
Why Choose Tessera Summer Academy?
- Career Exploration
Discover potential career paths that align with your interests and abilities.
- Skills Development
Build essential skills to prepare for long-term success in the workplace.
- Community Integration
Gain the confidence and tools to thrive both professionally and personally.
- Paid Summer Internships
Real world work experience through paid employment.
Eligibility Requirements
Ages
- 14-22 years old
Enrollment:
- Be a student enrolled in a local high school, or a recent 2025 graduate
- Have an IEP, 504 Plan, or documented disability
- Complete or have already completed a DVR Pre-Employment Transition Services Approval consent form
- Be able to independently self-manage personal needs/behaviors in a group learning environment
- Show motivation and willingness to participate in meaningful employment experiences.
Transportation:
- Have reliable transportation to and from Tessera office and local job tour sites.
- Transportation Assistance is available through local public transportation services.
Independence:
- Safely navigate a workplace setting independently.
- Demonstrate self-motivation, responsibility, and stability.
- Manage personal care and medication without assistance.