TREUTLEN COUNTY

            Courtney Brookes had just been accepted into Oconee Fall Line Technical College’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program when she became unemployed. She knew she would need financial assistance to cover the cost of school if she were to continue attending. Courtney applied for the WIOA program in hopes of being accepted and enrolled in the ITA program in September 2023. WIOA provided assistance by paying transportation stipends and covering the cost of books, supplies, and testing. Courtney completed her program as an Honor Graduate with a 3.7 GPA, earning an associate’s degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography. She accepted full-time employment as a Sonographer at Memorial Health Meadows Hospital. We are so proud of Courtney’s dedication to meeting her goals.

            Courtney had this to say, “I am a mother to two little boys. Two years ago, I made up my mind to go back to school to earn my degree so that I could provide a stable home for my family. I knew that this decision would present some financial hardships. However, I am proud to say that I have a group of supporters, including WIOA, who helped make this pursuit possible. WIOA provided me with the funds I needed for gas to get to school and still allowed me to buy a meal for lunch every day. They paid for my out-of-pocket fees, including uniforms, clinical fees, and board exam fees, just to name a few. This was such a tremendous help and such a relief because I would not have been able to afford these things. WIOA and the rest of my little village have helped me achieve my goals as a student and as a mom. I am so thankful, and I have big plans to make them proud by using my degree and becoming an asset in my field of study. Thank you, WIOA!”