BLECKLEY COUNTY

In July 2024, Cole Garnto visited the local One Stop to request information about the WIOA program.  He was attending Central Georgia Technical College and had been accepted into the Physical Therapy Assistant Program.  He was long-term unemployed and found it difficult to meet the financial obligations required by attending college.  He was determined to be eligible for the WIOA ITA Program.  He received assistance with tuition, books, supplies, and testing fees, as well as transportation stipends.  By removing this financial barrier, Cole was able to focus fully on his studies.  He recently completed his schooling and graduated with a 3.55 GPA from Central Georgia Tech.  Cole went on to take and pass the required tests to receive his Physical Therapy Assistant license.   He has accepted full-time employment at Ortho Georgia in Macon.  His journey at times was challenging, but he persevered with much determination. 

Cole had this to say about his time in the WIOA program. “I am not sure what I would have done without having WIOA to help out financially.  The funding and supportive services have helped me tremendously and allowed me to reach my goals and become successful.”