For Dallas ISD students participating in the 2026 Learn and Earn Summer Camps, summer is a time to discover new interests, develop professional skills and take meaningful steps toward future careers.
Sponsored by USAA with support from the Dallas Education Foundation, the Learn and Earn initiative gives students hands-on experience in high-demand career fields while providing weekly stipends for their participation. The camps are organized by Dallas ISD’s Career and Technical Education Department and connect classroom learning with real-world opportunities across Dallas.
Now in its second year, the initiative includes career-focused experiences in healthcare, business and technology, along with a new two-week hospitality camp.
Exploring Careers Through Hands-On Learning
At Vitals Camps hosted at Methodist Dallas Medical Center and Children’s Health, students are introduced to healthcare careers through interactive clinical experiences. Participants practice procedures and learn about the skills required of medical professionals.
“I like learning how to intubate,” one student said. “I did it on the first try. It was really cool.”
At Biz Camp at the University of North Texas at Dallas, students experience what it takes to turn an idea into a business. Participants develop their own concepts, build presentations and pitch their businesses to a panel of judges.
“I’m creating my own business and presenting it in front of judges,” one participant explained.
Students interested in technology are gaining valuable experience at Tech Camp at Southern Methodist University. Through hands-on learning, participants are building foundational knowledge that can support future studies and careers in fields such as software engineering.
“These camps have given me the entry level in my software engineering field,” a student shared.
The 2026 program also introduced a two-week hospitality camp at the Sheraton, expanding the range of industries students can explore and giving participants firsthand exposure to careers in hotel operations and guest services.
Learning the Value of Earning
In addition to developing technical and professional skills, students receive weekly stipends. This Learn and Earn model helps participants understand the relationship between work, compensation and financial responsibility.
Students are putting those lessons into practice by learning how to manage and save their earnings.
“It has taught me about money management,” one participant said. “I’ve saved all of my money so far, which I am proud of.”
By combining career preparation with financial education, the initiative equips students with practical knowledge they can use well beyond the summer.
Students Telling the Story
Dallas ISD Career and Technical Education interns are also contributing to the camps. These students are documenting the initiative by photographing activities, interviewing participants and creating posters and videos.
Their work provides another layer of career-connected learning while helping share the experiences and accomplishments of their peers.
For educators who once followed similar career pathways, the camps also provide an opportunity to guide the next generation.
“As a teacher, it’s almost like retracing those steps and guiding them through the same route that I came from,” one educator said. “It is just absolutely amazing.”
Building Pathways to the Future
Over the course of the program, educators have seen students grow in their skills, confidence and understanding of future career possibilities.
The Learn and Earn Summer Camps demonstrate what is possible when schools, higher education institutions, employers and community partners work together. Through USAA’s sponsorship and support from the Dallas Education Foundation, Dallas ISD students are receiving opportunities to explore their interests, build professional skills and imagine themselves succeeding in tomorrow’s workforce.
The Dallas Education Foundation is grateful to USAA for investing in Dallas ISD students and helping make these transformative summer experiences possible.
About the Dallas Education Foundation
The Dallas Education Foundation (DEF) is a registered 501(c)(3) organization and serves as the direct and designated philanthropic partner of Dallas ISD. With a mission to inspire community investment to accelerate student success, DEF focuses on economic mobility by supporting early learning, advancing literacy, driving postsecondary success, and championing educators. Learn more at dallasedfound.org and follow @dallasedfound on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, Threads, and YouTube.
About Dallas Independent School District
The Dallas Independent School District is continually preparing its students for college or a career. The district offers a competitive mix of innovative programs, choice programs, and instructional initiatives that support the increased academic achievement and the social and emotional development of its students. To learn more, visit www.dallasisd.org.
