About E2E
Explore to Employ is an exciting new work-based learning initiative that connects local employers with high school students for short-term job-shadowing experiences. Designed to strengthen our regional workforce and invest in our youth, E2E helps students explore real career pathways while supporting employers in building a stronger local talent pipeline.
- Connect early with motivated future talent
- Showcase real career pathways within your organization
- Strengthen the local workforce and economy
- Support community development and youth investment
Rising high school seniors participating through Red River Promise. (Current juniors will participate the summer between junior and senior year.
Launch Sequence:
- Year 1: Gainesville ISD
- Year 2: All Cooke County ISDs
- Business & Finance
- Construction
- Healthcare
- Manufacturing
- IT & Technical Services
- Education
- Public Service
- Retail & Hospitality
Each company may host students in a variety of roles and departments based on their operational needs.
Three-week summer experience with two session options (June and July).
Week 1: On the NCTC Campus — job readiness training.
Weeks 2–3: At employer site — job shadowing and mentoring.
We are currently recruiting employers for Summer 2026.
Submit the employer inquiry form to indicate interest and receive next steps.
Industries
Business/Finance
Location: Gainesville, TX
Select helps the energy industry use water responsibly by moving it, treating it, and reusing it in smarter ways. We’re focused on protecting one of the planet’s most important resources while developing new technology to make water management more sustainable. Our goal is to become the leading company for safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible water solutions.
Computer Information
Location: Gainesville, TX
We are the largest school district in Cooke County. We serve approximately 3100 students ranging from PK-12th grade. We have various departments within the school district such as teaching, IT support, and maintenance positions. Our maintenance positions include HVAC< plumbing, carpentry, and general maintenance.
Construction
Location: Gainesville, TX
Valstar Electric is a veteran owned electrical contractor that specializes in residential and commercial electrical services. Our team includes Journeyman and Apprentice electricians that work together to do anything from service calls to complete new build construction jobs.
Education
Location: Gainesville, TX
At Lil Leopards, we bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world application for future early childhood professionals. Students shadowing in our centers will gain insight into age-specific developmental milestones, classroom management, and the operations of a high-growth, high-quality private childcare model.
Location: Gainesville, TX
We are the largest school district in Cooke County. We serve approximately 3100 students ranging from PK-12th grade. We have various departments within the school district such as teaching, IT support, and maintenance positions. Our maintenance positions include HVAC< plumbing, carpentry, and general maintenance.
Healthcare
We're still looking for employers in the Healthcare industry. If you're interested in partnering with us, click the button below.
Manufacturing
Location: Muenster, TX
Universal Machining Industries, Inc. (UMII) manufactures small to medium sized parts for the aerospace and defense industry.
Public Service
Location: Gainesville, TX
Cooke County United Way is a nonprofit agency whose mission is to be a trusted partner and advocate for a stronger, safer and healthier community by inspiring people and mobilizing resources to meet human needs. We work with local businesses, other nonprofit agencies, and the community to create a selfless County where neighbors help neighbors.
Location: Gainesville, TX
Local Government/Municipality providing services to Gainesville, Texas, residents and visitors.
Location: Gainesville, TX
Established in 1885, Gainesville Fire-Rescue has been serving residents and visitors for over 140 years. We provide a broad spectrum of both emergency and non-emergency services to the citizens and visitors of our community. Those services include fire suppression, emergency management, fire prevention, medical first responder, public safety education and technical rescue operations.
Retail/Hospitality
Location: Gainesville, TX
At Lil Leopards, we bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world application for future early childhood professionals. Students shadowing in our centers will gain insight into age-specific developmental milestones, classroom management, and the operations of a high-growth, high-quality private childcare model.
Education for ALL Students
Red River Promise is a collaboration between school districts, colleges, industry and community, committed to improving access to education and strengthening the local workforce.
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