United Ability partners with Hibbett to host summer jobs

Hibbett, the leading Birmingham based premium footwear and athletic/leisure retailer, announced a partnership with United Ability to host a worksite. This is part of the Job Exploration Training Services program with United Ability. Keep reading to find out more!

United Ability’s Summer Job Exploration Training Services (JETS) program began in June. It allows students with varying abilities to have a chance to receive on-the-job training, mentoring and work experience.

Hibbett has partnered with United Ability to host the 6-week program. During the program, 10 high school students are able to work side-by-side with other Hibbett employees. Currently, they are working at the company’s distribution center in Birmingham.

“We are so appreciative of the support Hibbett has shown United Ability’s Summer JETS Program. Hibbett has proven itself to be a true leader in the community, and we look forward to growing this partnership for years to come.”

Katie Dumais, Director of Employment Services at United Ability

About JETS

United Ability developed the JETS program 5 years ago to help Birmingham’s disabled community find more career opportunities. In spite of intellectual, physical or mental challenges, these students deserve a chance to be independent.

In order to participate in the program, students must meet a few criteria. First, they would need to be at least 16 years old. Second, the program requires students to be enrolled in a greater Birmingham are high school. Finally, if students want to be part of the program, they need to be enrolled with the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services.

Students in the program receive a combination of work-based learning and on the job support. They receive mentoring and learn skills needed to perform a variety of different jobs.

Hosts that participate in the program pay the students to work 4 hours per day. Students work 5 days a week for the duration of the program.

What’s next?

Later this year, United Ability and Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services will host the first annual DisABILITY Hiring Expo and Hibbett will participate. Details on the event are below:

• Location: 101 Oslo Circle, Birmingham, AL 35211
• Time and Date: September 23, 2021 from 2pm-4pm

Hibbett will continue to be part of the JETS program. Due to the success of the program, they will be returning for Summer 2022.

“We could not be prouder to host a program that is so impactful in Birmingham and provides access, opportunities and jobs to capable and hard-working youth who are often overlooked or forgotten in the job market. We could not be prouder to host a program that is so impactful in Birmingham and provides access, opportunities and jobs to capable and hard-working youth who are often overlooked or forgotten in the job market.”

Harvey Knighten, VP Human resources for Hibbett

More information

For more information on how to help United Ability, visit their website at www.unitedability.org.

Consumers can browse styles,, find new releases, shop looks and make purchases online or in their nearest Hibbett store by visiting www.hibbett.com.

Check out our recent article on United Ability.

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