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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

Previous Next WAYNE COUNTY Miracle Stanley, Youth Program Miracle Stanley is a 22-year-old Out of School youth from Wayne County. She was a high school graduate working part-time while also raising her son when she was enrolled in the WIOA Youth Program. Miracle came to WIOA because she needed assistance to attend college. Since being in the program, Miracle has attended Occupational Skills Certification Training, participated in the Youth Work Experience Program, and completed her core classes at Coastal Pines Technical College, where she plans to begin the nursing program. Miracle is currently employed at Wayne Memorial Hospital. She is dedicated to helping others and has worked hard to reach her goals! Miracle said, “For someone being a single mother and not really finding assistance with school, JTU put me on track. I learned that support is there for those of us that need it. Hopefully, I will begin the RN program in January, so hard work pays off.” < Back AUGUST 2020

Previous Next TELFAIR COUNTY Samantha Harrelson, ITA Program Samantha Harrelson enrolled in the ITA program on March 11, 2019. She attended Middle GA State University and completed the Regular/Special Education Program for Early Childhood. Samantha was able to quit working part-time and focus on her studies while in the ITA program. Samantha completed the program as a Dean's List Scholar. See what Samantha had to say about the WIOA program: “I earned a degree in Regular/Special Education for Early Childhood while attending Middle Georgia State University. I have had the privilege to be on the WIOA program for the past year and a half. Before I was on the program, I worked a part-time job while also attending college full time. I would go to college Monday through Friday and work every Saturday and Sunday. So I either had to stay up later in the week to finish up homework or get up earlier than my shift to finish all my schoolwork. I was able to quit my job so I could continue my college education because of this program. The WIOA program helped me afford my tuition without taking out massive loans and paying for the books that I needed for my classes. If I were unable to be on this program, I would have had to continue working my full-time job and not focus on my schoolwork. I would not have graduated with Magna Cum Laude or Dean’s List Scholar because I would have had to focus on making sure I had enough money to continue to go to school. I would most likely have dropped out of school so I could save enough money to be able to go back to college eventually. I believe that I would not have started back to college if I had to quit to save money.” < Back OCTOBER 2020

Previous Next DODGE COUNTY Brianna Snead, ITA Program Brianna Snead was attending Oconee Fall Line Technical College's Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) Program when she enrolled in the WIOA program. She is a single mom and was employed part-time as a CNA. With the lack of income, the financial burden of completing the LPN program was overwhelming. Brianna needed WIOA assistance to help with tuition, fees, uniforms, and the daily transportation stipend to continue attending school. Brianna recently completed the LPN program as an Honor Graduate, she passed all her state board exams, and was offered a full-time position at Houston Medical Center as an LPN. We are so proud of Brianna for being persistent and reaching her goals. Brianna shared her experience by saying, "WIOA has been very helpful with everything. Their assistance lightened the load so I could care for my young daughter and still pursue my career. I am so thankful for this program and all they have done for me." < Back AUGUST 2023

Previous Next DODGE COUNTY Megan Williams, Youth Program ​ Megan Williams is a 20-year-old participant in the youth program from Dodge County. Megan came to JTU as a single mom, and she was a high school dropout who needed assistance with obtaining her GED and enrolling in college. With the transportation assistance she received from WIOA, she was able to pay for the expense of driving back and forth to classes, and she also received help paying for the cost of her GED exam. Megan received her GED in just four months and is now in her second semester of college at Oconee Fall Line Technical College. She is on track to receive her cosmetology degree. Megan has overcome many obstacles to accomplish so much, and we are very proud of her! Megan says, “When I got pregnant with my daughter, I finally decided to go back and get my GED and further my education. I was introduced to this amazing program that helped me every step of the way! They helped me with the cost of gas going to school, my test, and supplies! My life has changed completely since then. I feel like I have a purpose again and that I’m going somewhere in life now! I’m so proud of myself and grateful for the amazing opportunity they gave me to do all of this and for giving me a second chance!” < Back FEBRUARY 2021