JOHNSON COUNTY

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Anna Reigh Wilcher enrolled in the WIOA Program on July 19, 2018. She was in the Registered Nurse Program at Middle Georgia State University when she began researching programs to assist her financially with school costs. After receiving the information and application, Anna applied for WIOA. During her time on the WIOA program, she worked part-time while attending school full time. Anna maintained a good GPA during her time in the program. Working with Anna was always a pleasure. Congratulations, Anna!

Anna shares her story: "In 2017, I made the decision to apply to the nursing program at Middle Georgia State University. After receiving my acceptance letter, I began to realize just how costly nursing school could be. Tuition, books, supplies, uniforms, required online programs, and travel to get to my classes (that were nearly two hours away) were no doubt going to cost me quite a bit of money. I was worried that I would have to take out student loans to make it through the program.

During my nursing orientation, a guest speaker from the WIOA Program gave us information on what the program was and how they could help make college more affordable. I decided to attempt to sign up but was not sure I would even be a candidate to receive the funds. After a short wait, I found out that I was approved to receive tuition assistance from WIOA. This meant that my tuition and book costs for two years of nursing school would be PAID! I also received a bi-weekly stipend to aid in the cost of travel to classes and clinicals. On top of this, I was given a voucher each semester to use in the college bookstore to cover the cost of basic school supplies. When graduation time came around, WIOA reimbursed me for graduation fees and paid for me to take my state nursing boards (which is rather expensive). The WIOA Program was a great blessing for me.

In December of 2019, I was an honor graduate from Middle Georgia State University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. I sat for state boards in January of 2020 and started my career as a Registered Nurse in February of 2020. I am currently employed at Fairview Park Hospital in Dublin, Georgia. I have a great career and enjoy what I do. I thank WIOA/Job Training Unlimited for offering financial assistance to me during my time in nursing school. I am so grateful. I would recommend this program to anyone!"