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APPLING COUNTY Anna Rentz, ITA Program ​ Anna enrolled in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Individual Training Account Program on January 17, 2020. She attended South Georgia State College for the Associates of Nursing program. When Anna applied for WIOA, she worked at the Appling County Board of Commissioners to cover the cost of school. Anna maintained a GPA of 3.0 or higher throughout her program. Anna successfully completed her program of study and received her license on June 3, 2021. Anna is now working as a Registered Nurse at Wayne Memorial Hospital. Anna was always a pleasure to work with, and we are so proud of her accomplishments! See what Anna had to say about the WIOA Program: “I appreciated this program tremendously! It allowed me to get a degree and not worry about some of the expenses of school. It helped me pay for textbooks and even paid for my State Boards to become an RN. This program is a great asset for college students to reach their goals.” Previous Next < Back JULY 2021

WAYNE COUNTY Miahyah Green, Youth Program ​ Miahyah Green is an 18-year-old In School Youth from Jesup, GA. She came to WIOA in 2019 in need of assistance to find a job. At that time, she was in the 10 th grade at Wayne County High School. Miahyah was interested in working with children but had never had a job before. Through the Youth Work Experience (WEX) program, which works with local employers to place youth in temporary employment, Miahyah was able to work at the Wayne County Boys and Girls Club. Because she did such a great job during her WEX participation, the Boys and Girls Club hired her when the WEX ended. Since then, Miahyah has continued to work there as a permanent employee and has now graduated from high school. She plans to continue working with children and hopes to open her own dance studio one day! Miahyah described her experience with the WIOA Youth Program by saying, “I wished to work with children and WIOA blessed that wish in October 2020. This service helped me by earning a permanent spot with the Boys and Girls Club within a year. I couldn’t thank WIOA enough for what they did for me.” Previous Next < Back JULY 2022

TOOMBS COUNTY Austin Farrow, Youth Program ​ Austin Farrow, a 24-year-old from Toombs County, enrolled in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Out-of-School Youth program in February 2020. Austin needed assistance to obtain his GED and find a job. After months of hard work, Austin recently completed all the requirements for his GED and passed his last exam on June 7th, 2021. He is currently working at David Thompson Collision Center in Vidalia and is in the process of enrolling in the Commercial Truck Driving program at Southeastern Technical College. Austin has a little boy and a fiancé who rely on him, and he wants to make them proud. Austin’s account of his experience with WIOA is, “This program has benefited me financially and with other needs. The help I was provided is the biggest reason I received my GED." Previous Next < Back OCTOBER 2021

TATTNALL COUNTY Bailey Griggs, ITA Program Bailey Griggs of Tattnall County decided to apply to the Aviation Maintenance Technology Associate Degree Program with Savannah Technical College. Once accepted into the program, Bailey applied for WIOA assistance. Throughout the program, Bailey worked part-time while attending school full-time. Bailey maintained an outstanding GPA and made the Dean’s List multiple times. Bailey graduated with Honors and was awarded an Associate of Applied Science in Aviation Maintenance Technology. Bailey has been an absolute pleasure to work with, and he shares his story below: “I am a recent graduate of the Aviation Maintenance Technology Associate Degree Program from Savannah Technical College and a newly FAA licensed Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Mechanic. I have been a recipient of WIOA funds and being a part of this program has been an exceptional experience. Although the application process was lengthy, it was well worth it. This program has helped me develop skills and prepared me to enter the workforce. The funds from WIOA have assisted me in completing my education on time and released much of the financial burden from my family and me. Through being a WIOA recipient, I was able to pay my way through college without incurring any student debt. Without the help of WIOA, I would have had to take out loans or work an additional job. My case manager at JTU was amazing. She answered questions promptly and tried to work around my schedule. All the staff I encountered from JTU were professional, polite, and willing to help with any issues. I am very thankful for the support I received through JTU and WIOA, and I would recommend the program to anyone!” Congratulations, Bailey! We are so proud of you and your accomplishments. Previous Next < Back JUNE 2021

WILCOX COUNTY Tykeyah Munford, Youth Program Tykeyah Munford is an Out of School youth participant from Wilcox County. Tykeyah enrolled in the WIOA Youth Program after graduating high school because she needed assistance to attend college. With the help of WIOA, Tykeyah was able to enroll in South Georgia Technical College for Early Childhood Education. She is pictured above at Wilcox County Elementary School, where she completed her student teaching hours. Tykeyah earned her Early Childhood Care Education Basics and Child Development Specialist certificates. She is on track to graduate from South Georgia Technical College in March 2022. She is pictured above at Wilcox County Elementary School, where she completed her student teaching hours. Tykeyah had this to say about WIOA, “I really enjoyed the program, and it helped me a lot! I bought my own laptop to do my work and learned a lot of responsibility.” We are very happy for Tykeyah and all she has accomplished. Previous Next < Back MARCH 2022

JEFF DAVIS COUNTY Amberly Rentz, ITA Program Amberly Rentz, of Jeff Davis County, was attending Coastal Pines Technical College’s Practical Nursing Program when enrolled in the WIOA ITA Program. She was unemployed due to being laid off from her previous employer. With the lack of income, the financial burden of completing school was overwhelming. WIOA assisted with the cost of tuition, books, uniforms, fees, and transportation. Amberly graduated from the LPN Program and has since passed her NCLEX. She has taken a position as a case manager with St. Joseph’s Candler Georgia Infirmary. Amberly had this to say about her time in the WIOA Program. “WIOA helped me each week through the transportation stipends. This was a big help, especially when I was traveling to clinical sites. Their assistance kept me from drowning in debt from student loans and allowed me to focus on completing the Nursing Program.” Previous Next < Back APRIL 2023

MONTGOMERY COUNTY Erik Casas, ITA Program Erik Casas enrolled in the WIOA ITA Program in February 2022. He was attending Southeastern Technical College pursuing a degree in Nursing. He recently lost his job and needed financial assistance with the program's costs. WIOA helped cover the expense of tuition, books, supplies, testing fees, and transportation. Erik completed the program and received his Associate Degree in Nursing in December 2022. Erik had this to say about his time in the WIOA program. "WIOA helped me financially while I was attending school full time. This allowed me to focus on completing my program without the worry of how I would pay for my tuition and all the additional costs that come with it. If it weren't for the WIOA program, I would not have been able to finish school." Congratulations to Erik on all of your accomplishments. Previous Next < Back DECEMBER 2022

JEFF DAVIS Kaleb Turner, Youth Program Kaleb Turner is an 18-year-old graduate from Jeff Davis County. He was enrolled in the WIOA Youth Program in February of 2020 as a 10th grade student needing assistance to complete high school to continue to post-secondary education and find employment. Kaleb’s goal was to one day become a Welder, so during his junior year of high school, he dual enrolled at Coastal Pines Technical College in welding. He also participated in the Youth Work Experience Program and was placed to work at South Georgia Machine and Fab. Work experience allowed Kaleb to see firsthand what a career in welding would be like! Kaleb continued to work hard throughout his senior year and graduated in May 2022. Kaleb had this to say about his experience in the WIOA program, “They were very helpful in finding me a job that I liked, and I was great at!”. Congratulations to Kaleb for his achievements! Previous Next < Back JUNE 2022

EMANUEL COUNTY Sydney Dorsey, Youth Program Sydney Dorsey enrolled in the WIOA Youth program because she needed assistance earning her High School Diploma so she could enroll in post-secondary education. She also wanted to gain work experience through the work experience segment of the Youth program. Sydney’s goal was to one day become a Master Cosmetologist, and one of her worksites was at Bangles Salon. Working in the salon allowed Sydney to see firsthand what a career in Cosmetology would be like. Sydney received her high school diploma and enrolled in the Cosmetology program at Southeastern Technical College. She worked hard and graduated from college in December 2022. Sydney had this to say about her time in the WIOA program. “Being in the WIOA program has been very beneficial to me. Receiving the transportation stipends has made it much easier to focus on school and not worry about how I would pay for gas to go back and forth.” We are very proud of Sydney and all her accomplishments. Previous Next < Back DECEMBER 2022

DODGE COUNTY Aliyah Durham, ITA Program Aliyah Durham enrolled in the WIOA program in January 2023, as a full-time student in the nursing program at Middle Georgia State University. Aliyah was unemployed and needed financial assistance to complete her program. WIOA covered the cost of testing, uniforms, fees, supplies, and provided her with transportation stipends. She worked very hard and earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She received institutional honors such as Cum Laude, Deans List Scholar, and Honors Discipline Graduate. Aliyah has accepted employment at Piedmont Macon Hospital as an RN. We are so proud of Aliyah and can’t wait to see her continue to reach her goals. Aliyah had this to say about her time in the WIOA program. “WIOA has been a true blessing! The assistance I received made my journey through nursing school so much easier. I am so glad that programs like this still exist, and I hope that it will continue to stay around and help many students just like me.” Previous Next < Back JULY 2024

TREUTLEN COUNTY Quintesa McLendon, ITA Program Quintesa McLendon was enrolled in the WIOA ITA program on January 11, 2023. She was attending Oconee Fall Line Technical College for the LPN program. When Quintesa applied for WIOA, she was working part-time and needed financial assistance to cover the cost of school. WIOA was able to help by providing transportation stipends and covering the cost of testing and other fees associated with her program. She completed her program of study and received her LPN license. Quintesa is now working full-time at Pruitt Health in Swainsboro as an LPN. She has always been a pleasure to work with, and we are very proud of her accomplishments. Quintesa had this to say about the WIOA Program, “Without this program, I don’t know how I would’ve made it trying to get certain things done. They have helped me in so many ways, and for that, I am very thankful.” Previous Next < Back SEPTEMBER 2023

APPLING COUNTY Paris Mims, Youth Program Paris Mims is 18 years old and lives in Baxley, Georgia. She was enrolled in the WIOA In School Youth Program in December 2019 when she was in the 9th grade at Appling High School. During her time in the program, Paris participated in Youth Work Experience and completed Occupational Skills Training. During her high school years, Paris was very active in the Color Guard and Cheer. She was also dual enrolled at Coastal Pines Technical College, where she took Cosmetology Classes. Paris worked part-time throughout high school and is a positive young lady who worked very hard to achieve her goals. She received her High School Diploma from Appling High School in May 2023 and has been accepted to Albany State University. We are very proud of Paris and all her accomplishments. Paris says, “I am so thankful to be a part of the WIOA program. It has helped me to develop social skills as well as work experience skills. They keep me on track by checking on me and making sure that my grades are where they need to be. Thank you for all that you guys do; I appreciate it.” Previous Next < Back JUNE 2023

Previous Next LAURENS COUNTY Shakira Oliver, Youth Program Shakira Oliver is a 17-year-old senior at East Laurens High School. Shakira was enrolled in the WIOA In School Youth Program in June 2023. Shakira’s goals were to gain work experience, graduate high school, and enroll in college. During her time in the Youth Program, Shakira participated in Work Experience, completed modules, and received assistance with graduation fees. Shakira will graduate at the top of her class in May 2024. We are so proud of Shakira’s hard work and determination to meet all the goals she has set for herself. Shakira had this to say about the WIOA Youth Program. “Joining the WIOA Program marked a turning point in my career journey, one that’s been filled with invaluable lessons and support. Through the program, I’ve had the opportunity to not only enhance my skills but also grow personally. From completing career modules to one-on-one sessions, the program provided tailored services that addressed my specific needs. This individualized approach gave me the confidence to tackle challenges head-on and navigate the job market effectively. The support I received was essential to my success, whether it was refining my resume or securing job placements. Looking back, I’m grateful for the transformative experience and the unwavering support of the WIOA Program, which has empowered me to realize my full potential and pursue my career aspirations with confidence.” < Back APRIL 2024

Previous Next LAURENS COUNTY Karen Pharis, Rapid Response Layoff/OJT Program < Back AUGUST 2024