
Dondre's Story
"Dondre’s success and successful attitude brought him to GED completion and certification within a small timeframe. Now his military and career dreams are closer not only in view but also in reality. Dondre has a determined goal to follow in the foot step of his family members and serve in the military as he offers accomplishment, self-help, and community care to his small town community.
In the meantime, Dondre has found employment within the city. He is managing his own home and continues to build himself with education, inspiration and attitude of gratitude."
Please read more about Dondre's story at https://bit.ly/3ZfjLWm!
"Dondre’s success and successful attitude brought him to GED completion and certification within a small timeframe. Now his military and career dreams are closer not only in view but also in reality. Dondre has a determined goal to follow in the foot step of his family members and serve in the military as he offers accomplishment, self-help, and community care to his small town community.
In the meantime, Dondre has found employment within the city. He is managing his own home and continues to build himself with education, inspiration and attitude of gratitude."
Please read more about Dondre's story at https://bit.ly/3ZfjLWm!
A wonderful Success Story from Georgia Northwestern Technical College's WIOA program~
Dear Ms. Williams:
I want to say thank you for all the help you have provided to me through the WIOA program. I come from a large family and would not have had the opportunity to begin my education in the Air Conditioning Technology program in August of 2021, without it. I was 18 when I graduated high school and wanted to begin taking classes at Georgia Northwestern Technical College. You all helped me to make sure I completed all the required forms and checked back with me if anything was missing.
While I attended classes on the Walker County Campus, WIOA provided me with gas money to help make sure I was able to get to class. WIOA also covered the cost of everything including tuition and fees that wasn't covered by HOPE while allowing me to keep the money received from PELL to help me with my living expenses. I think the most helpful items were the tools that were supplied to me by WIOA. I believe it was nearly $1,000 worth of tools. They allowed me to be hands-on in my classes which led to me getting more hours with Pro-Tech Heating and Air out of Rocky Face, GA. I am now earning $17.00 per hour. I graduated with my diploma in Air Conditioning Technology in December 2022, and, hopefully, will soon be getting another raise in pay.
I don't think I would have been able to reach my goal without WIOA and Ms. Williams.
Thank you all for believing in me and helping me to get to a place in my life that may not have been possible or would have taken ten times longer. I will always remember WIOA and what it did for me and my future.
Sincerely,
Matthew Dorsey, Service Tech
Pro Heating and Air
Richard Pacheco, owner of Pro Tech HVAC, LLC of Rocky Face, Ga, where Mr. Dorsey is employed, had the following to say about Matthew:
“Matthew is an exemplary employee. He is what sets the standard for all employees by demonstrating daily a highly sought-after work ethic and serving our clients with integrity. I do not worry about my business as long as Matthew is working alongside me.”

See more at https://www.dadecountysentinel.com/2021/04/01/dislocated-worker-temp-job-leads-to-permanent-position-with-dade-e911/.
Video link: http://bit.ly/3XD1zoE.
Dylan came to Eckerd Connects not only to receive his General Education Diploma but also to obtain an outlook on career success. Dylan, a 16-year-old high school dropout was in need of direction, structure, and stability in his life.
According to the school’s request, Dylan was unable to return to the public school that he had attended. This rejection could have been a major setback for this youth. However, his grandmother’s determination and his potential will to achieve stretched them to other ideas of academic accomplishments with a large view of success. Dylan and his grandmother sought other means for him to receive high school equivalency. One of our local partners with our WEX shared information concerning our services that we could provide for this young man as he plows through to success.
Dylan has been known for saying that from Day one, he was captivated by
-Student/teacher- ratio coupled with teacher concerns
-Success without intimidation
-Assistant from start to finish
Dylan’s success did not happen overnight, Dylan had many trials and struggles, yet quitting was not an option, and he achieved his first educational goal. Once Dylan buckled his seat belt of achievement and became academically focused, he completed his GED Training and scored successfully on each GED Test. His ride of accomplishment did not stop there. He also attended the Career Compass Academy with great success and was very appreciative of the knowledge that he gained for the workforce and his career. Dylan is now employed in the community where he lives and is considering taking his education achievement and endurance to the next level as a college student in the near future.
Dylan has expressed genuine gratitude for the workforce program and all who were involved in sticking with him as he evolved to the man he has become. He has stated that he is grateful for this foundation of his career and looks forward to other opportunities that he may continue to pursue and ultimately obtain.
Dylan was served by Courtney Rouse at Eckerd Connects Paxen

“Without WIOA I would not have been able to attend this course. Perusing a career in the dental field is something I have wanted to do for quite a while and when I went to DASA and they suggested applying I thought it would be a long drawn out and difficult process. It was anything but that! The paperwork was straight forward and easy to know what information was needed. Anne Rapp was very kind and easy to work with throughout the whole process.
After I was approved for the grant filling out the paperwork was easy each week and the payments included help with gas and childcare. I definitely was second guessing if I was going to be able to afford to start training for a new career but WIOA made that all possible! I was hired at an orthodontist office by the time I graduated from the program.
Thank you."
~Megan Harvell
Megan was served by our Career Advisor, Anne Rapp, at Chattahoochee Technical College.
After I was approved for the grant filling out the paperwork was easy each week and the payments included help with gas and childcare. I definitely was second guessing if I was going to be able to afford to start training for a new career but WIOA made that all possible! I was hired at an orthodontist office by the time I graduated from the program.
Thank you."
~Megan Harvell
Megan was served by our Career Advisor, Anne Rapp, at Chattahoochee Technical College.

Holli withdrew from high school as a young adult and had two children. Traditional schooling did not accommodate her schedule or needs; therefore, Holli started searching for other options. A friend referred Holli to the Career Pathway Program at Eckerd Connects NorthWest GA.
Eckerd was able to adapt to her busy schedule of working and raising two children. Based off Holli’s needs, the team at Eckerd Connects/Paxen assisted her in developing an individual service plan. The services included: GED preparation classes, support services, and career exploration.
By program end, Holli gained her General Education Diploma (GED), Retail Industry Fundamentals Certification, Certified Nursing Assistant Licensure, and completed the Career Compass Academy. Holli then transitioned to Patient Care Tech training through the Training Center in NWGA.
All services provided to Holli are part of a workforce development grant called Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA). Eckerd Connects | Paxen is one of the youth providers in Northwest Georgia in partnership with WorkSource Northwest Georgia. All services are funded at no cost to the participant. To learn more about WIOA programs in Northwest Georgia, click on the link below:
http://www.careerdepot.org/youth.html.
Eckerd was able to adapt to her busy schedule of working and raising two children. Based off Holli’s needs, the team at Eckerd Connects/Paxen assisted her in developing an individual service plan. The services included: GED preparation classes, support services, and career exploration.
By program end, Holli gained her General Education Diploma (GED), Retail Industry Fundamentals Certification, Certified Nursing Assistant Licensure, and completed the Career Compass Academy. Holli then transitioned to Patient Care Tech training through the Training Center in NWGA.
All services provided to Holli are part of a workforce development grant called Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA). Eckerd Connects | Paxen is one of the youth providers in Northwest Georgia in partnership with WorkSource Northwest Georgia. All services are funded at no cost to the participant. To learn more about WIOA programs in Northwest Georgia, click on the link below:
http://www.careerdepot.org/youth.html.
"I want to thank you [Brandi Dover], Gena Williams and Freda Hartman, for helping me while I attended Georgia Northwestern Technical College back in 2019-2020. Without WIOA, it would have been extremely difficult for me to finish my Business Technology Degree because my financial aid did not cover the cost of all my classes. I would recommend all students that are struggling based on their financial aid situation to come visit the WIOA Office and meet with you two ladies. You were so helpful and understanding about my circumstances.
I don’t know where I would be or if I would have been able to finish my degree, if WIOA didn’t provide the resources that I needed. The program was able to cover my tuition and fees as well as my books and supplies from the bookstore. Also, if I had to travel to campus it provided me with the cost of the gas too! As I look back, I am so thankful that I took the time to meet with you because I would not be where I am today. I started out working at a utility company for three years part-time and was unable to get a full-time position because I had no college credential.
After that, I started working part-time at Georgia Northwestern Technical College in the Business Office at the Walker County Campus. I worked in that department for a year and a half. Once I completed my Business Technology Degree, I accepted a full-time position as a Student Success Assistant. I am still currently a Student Success Assistant and have been for almost two years. I am now married, and we have a baby girl on the way in July of 2022.
I believe I was able to obtain this position because of the WIOA program. I enjoy working here at Georgia Northwestern Technical College, and want to thank you both as well as the WIOA program for all the help given to me while I pursued my education and finally graduated with my Business Technology Associate Degree!"
~Megan Griffin
I don’t know where I would be or if I would have been able to finish my degree, if WIOA didn’t provide the resources that I needed. The program was able to cover my tuition and fees as well as my books and supplies from the bookstore. Also, if I had to travel to campus it provided me with the cost of the gas too! As I look back, I am so thankful that I took the time to meet with you because I would not be where I am today. I started out working at a utility company for three years part-time and was unable to get a full-time position because I had no college credential.
After that, I started working part-time at Georgia Northwestern Technical College in the Business Office at the Walker County Campus. I worked in that department for a year and a half. Once I completed my Business Technology Degree, I accepted a full-time position as a Student Success Assistant. I am still currently a Student Success Assistant and have been for almost two years. I am now married, and we have a baby girl on the way in July of 2022.
I believe I was able to obtain this position because of the WIOA program. I enjoy working here at Georgia Northwestern Technical College, and want to thank you both as well as the WIOA program for all the help given to me while I pursued my education and finally graduated with my Business Technology Associate Degree!"
~Megan Griffin
"My success while a student at GNTC did not come easy. Being a father, a husband and a student all rolled into one was very stressful and strenuous. Finances were tight while in school, for the most part I was unable to work once in the respiratory care program. I found out through the school that an assistance program (WIOA) was offered for students with financial difficulties while in in school. This program helped me get through school more successfully because of lifting a lot of financial burden I had to worry about off of my shoulders.
I seriously do not know how I would have survived financially without this program. WIOA was a saving grace for me and my family. I could not thank the WIOA team at GNTC enough for getting me through this time of my life by lifting some of the financial burden off. This was a long road for me to get to this point in my life. To finally know what I wanted to do for my career was bliss. To show my kids and wife that anything is possible as long as you have the determination to do it was one of the best things I could do as a father and husband.
My success comes from the people around me that cheered me on; I could not have done this without them. The WIOA team at GNTC was a huge part my journey and I could not have asked for a better team. Brandi, Sherry and Cynthia I cannot thank you guys enough for what you do, not only for me but for all other students and future students as well. You guys are the best."
~Colton Burkhalter
I seriously do not know how I would have survived financially without this program. WIOA was a saving grace for me and my family. I could not thank the WIOA team at GNTC enough for getting me through this time of my life by lifting some of the financial burden off. This was a long road for me to get to this point in my life. To finally know what I wanted to do for my career was bliss. To show my kids and wife that anything is possible as long as you have the determination to do it was one of the best things I could do as a father and husband.
My success comes from the people around me that cheered me on; I could not have done this without them. The WIOA team at GNTC was a huge part my journey and I could not have asked for a better team. Brandi, Sherry and Cynthia I cannot thank you guys enough for what you do, not only for me but for all other students and future students as well. You guys are the best."
~Colton Burkhalter
WIOA made it possible
“WIOA has made it possible to obtain my RN and without this program, I don't know how it would have been possible. Nursing is a very challenging career path to take and not having to worry about the financial aspects of school has helped me be successful in completing my program and graduating. Also, having the support and help along the way from Anne has been so encouraging during my time with WIOA. Its individuals who provide this support that also helps you to be successful. I just want to take a moment to acknowledge WIOA and Anne for playing a major role in my success.
P.S. Yes this is the position I was chasing, I am very fortunate because OB positions are very competitive and hard to get as a new grad. I am starting as a Nurse extern first since my Residency will not start until August just to get some experience and get familiar with the unit.”
K.T., student, Chattahoochee Technical College (submitted by Anne Rapp, Career Adviser, CTC)
“WIOA has made it possible to obtain my RN and without this program, I don't know how it would have been possible. Nursing is a very challenging career path to take and not having to worry about the financial aspects of school has helped me be successful in completing my program and graduating. Also, having the support and help along the way from Anne has been so encouraging during my time with WIOA. Its individuals who provide this support that also helps you to be successful. I just want to take a moment to acknowledge WIOA and Anne for playing a major role in my success.
P.S. Yes this is the position I was chasing, I am very fortunate because OB positions are very competitive and hard to get as a new grad. I am starting as a Nurse extern first since my Residency will not start until August just to get some experience and get familiar with the unit.”
K.T., student, Chattahoochee Technical College (submitted by Anne Rapp, Career Adviser, CTC)
Dylan entered the Eckerd Connects NorthWest GA Workforce Development Youth Program with the desire of obtaining a GED and to develop transferable work skills.
Dylan began his journey with Eckerd Connects/Paxen in October 2021 after being expelled from school. He was familiar with the program because two of his family members were successful participants. When asked why he chose Eckerd Connects, Dylan explained, “As a young adult I feel there is a trend among youth to separate from others. Normally, I don’t like being a part of trends, but the public-school setting did not compliment my learning style.” Dylan continued by saying, “ From a young age, I loved learning. The Eckerd Connects staff fostered my love for learning by encouraging me and holding me accountable. Furthermore, they were flexible to my needs while keeping me on track to be successful.”
During program training, Dylan earned an occupation skills credential in retail fundamentals and a GED scoring in the college ready range on two of the exams.
All these services were provided to Dylan as part of the workforce development grant called Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA). Eckerd Connects/Paxen is one of the youth providers in Northwest Georgia in partnership with Worksource Northwest Georgia. All services are funded at no cost to the participant. To learn more about WIOA programs in Northwest Georgia, click on the link: http://www.careerdepot.org/youth.html
Dylan began his journey with Eckerd Connects/Paxen in October 2021 after being expelled from school. He was familiar with the program because two of his family members were successful participants. When asked why he chose Eckerd Connects, Dylan explained, “As a young adult I feel there is a trend among youth to separate from others. Normally, I don’t like being a part of trends, but the public-school setting did not compliment my learning style.” Dylan continued by saying, “ From a young age, I loved learning. The Eckerd Connects staff fostered my love for learning by encouraging me and holding me accountable. Furthermore, they were flexible to my needs while keeping me on track to be successful.”
During program training, Dylan earned an occupation skills credential in retail fundamentals and a GED scoring in the college ready range on two of the exams.
All these services were provided to Dylan as part of the workforce development grant called Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA). Eckerd Connects/Paxen is one of the youth providers in Northwest Georgia in partnership with Worksource Northwest Georgia. All services are funded at no cost to the participant. To learn more about WIOA programs in Northwest Georgia, click on the link: http://www.careerdepot.org/youth.html
ANOTHER SUCCESS STORY
Jayme’s story starts early into her high school years. Her family members were experiencing health issues that required Jayme’s support. Due to these circumstances, Jayme dropped out of high school. A few years later, she had a baby. As a single parent and a high school dropout, Jayme realized that she would need to earn a GED to further her education and/or secure self-supporting employment. Jayme had heard about Workforce Development Program funded through WorkSource Northwest Georgia, from a relative and enrolled with Eckerd Connects NorthWest GA in August of 2021. As part of the services provided by the workforce grant, Jayme completed retail training, a high demand sector in her area, and earned a Retail Fundamentals Certification in September 2021. By having the NRF credential in retail, Jayme was offered a job with Home Depot in October 2021. Shortly after, she gained her GED on December 2, 2021. Jayme stated that “Eckerd Connects and WorkSource Northwest Georgia helped me reach my goal of earning my GED and securing a job that could develop into a career. The staff at Eckerd Connects provided me with the support and confidence I needed to be successful. The NRF Retail Fundamentals Certification helped me get an interview with Home Depot, and now I’m working for them. Thank you to Eckerd Connects and WorkSource Northwest Georgia!” |

Meet Annmarie. She is a Career Pathway student at Eckerd Connects | Paxen.
Recently, Annmarie participated in the Career Compass Academy (CCA) in partnership with Worksource Northwest Georgia and Atlanta CareerRise. The Career Compass Academy is a paid work experience for WIOA-eligible youth, ages 16-24. This 40-hour, 5-week program provides work-ready skills and activities along with opportunities to explore and practice work activities in a virtual environment. The CCA cohort incorporates 90-minute webinars and 36 skills to succeed modules via S2S Academy. During the virtual weekly scheduled webinars, participants examine numerous career pathway in the Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics (TDL); IT; Advanced Manufacturing; and Healthcare industries. Participants hear valuable stories, tips, and advice from industry experts and professionals. Finally, participants develop personal and professional skills to support success in their chosen career field by completing the skills to succeed modules. Upon completion of assigned tasks, participants receive a paid weekly stipend. Annmarie was a student spotlight and shared these words of wisdom to her peers:
• You really need to plan for yourself and start your foundation early.
• It’s okay to start at the “bottom” while working your way up the ladder.
• Even though your path may feel hard during the moment, remember to have hope and determination.
Annmarie's next steps are to start the Certified Nursing Assistant Program (CNA) and transition to the Patient Care Technician Program (PCT) after she obtains her CNA license. It’s her overall desire to be a Registered Nurse. All of these programs are financially possible for Annmarie through funds from the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).
Annmarie provided this quote, “Thank you to Eckerd Connects NorthWest GA and Worksource Northwest Georgia for providing me with the financial support and cheering me on along the way. The care and compassion shown to me has been remarkable.”
To learn more about WIOA funding in Northwest Georgia, go to careerdepot.org/youth.html
#WIOA #StudentSpotlight
Recently, Annmarie participated in the Career Compass Academy (CCA) in partnership with Worksource Northwest Georgia and Atlanta CareerRise. The Career Compass Academy is a paid work experience for WIOA-eligible youth, ages 16-24. This 40-hour, 5-week program provides work-ready skills and activities along with opportunities to explore and practice work activities in a virtual environment. The CCA cohort incorporates 90-minute webinars and 36 skills to succeed modules via S2S Academy. During the virtual weekly scheduled webinars, participants examine numerous career pathway in the Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics (TDL); IT; Advanced Manufacturing; and Healthcare industries. Participants hear valuable stories, tips, and advice from industry experts and professionals. Finally, participants develop personal and professional skills to support success in their chosen career field by completing the skills to succeed modules. Upon completion of assigned tasks, participants receive a paid weekly stipend. Annmarie was a student spotlight and shared these words of wisdom to her peers:
• You really need to plan for yourself and start your foundation early.
• It’s okay to start at the “bottom” while working your way up the ladder.
• Even though your path may feel hard during the moment, remember to have hope and determination.
Annmarie's next steps are to start the Certified Nursing Assistant Program (CNA) and transition to the Patient Care Technician Program (PCT) after she obtains her CNA license. It’s her overall desire to be a Registered Nurse. All of these programs are financially possible for Annmarie through funds from the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).
Annmarie provided this quote, “Thank you to Eckerd Connects NorthWest GA and Worksource Northwest Georgia for providing me with the financial support and cheering me on along the way. The care and compassion shown to me has been remarkable.”
To learn more about WIOA funding in Northwest Georgia, go to careerdepot.org/youth.html
#WIOA #StudentSpotlight

Eckerd Connects Students Help Hand out Food Boxes and Turkeys!
Today, GED students volunteered their time at the Community Christian Council (CCC) handing out food boxes and Thanksgiving turkeys to families in Haralson County. The CCC houses the GED and Career Readiness Training Program at their facility at no cost to the provider, Eckerd Connects.
The CCC provided over 400 food boxes and 300 frozen turkeys to residents in need. Pictured is Dylan, a youth who has enrolled with Eckerd Connects to earn his GED Diploma. Funding for Dylan’s educational and career readiness training is provided by a WIOA grant through Worksource Northwest Georgia. Without this grant, Dylan would not be able to afford the needed curriculum, tutoring, or testing fees to be successful on the GED exam.
To learn more on how you may qualify for these services contact Courtney at Eckerd Connects at 470-274-5231 or [email protected].
Today, GED students volunteered their time at the Community Christian Council (CCC) handing out food boxes and Thanksgiving turkeys to families in Haralson County. The CCC houses the GED and Career Readiness Training Program at their facility at no cost to the provider, Eckerd Connects.
The CCC provided over 400 food boxes and 300 frozen turkeys to residents in need. Pictured is Dylan, a youth who has enrolled with Eckerd Connects to earn his GED Diploma. Funding for Dylan’s educational and career readiness training is provided by a WIOA grant through Worksource Northwest Georgia. Without this grant, Dylan would not be able to afford the needed curriculum, tutoring, or testing fees to be successful on the GED exam.
To learn more on how you may qualify for these services contact Courtney at Eckerd Connects at 470-274-5231 or [email protected].
As Sarah attended classes at our Tallapoosa Paxen location, she gained “confidence” in herself.
Sarah was referred to our program by Alan Kiker, the Director of The Community Christian Council (CCC) in Tallapoosa. Her goals were to earn a high school equivalence – GED credential and obtain adequate employment to support herself while attending classes. Sarah also has a goal of becoming a CNA. She had several barriers in her way of achieving her educational and employment goals. Such as:
As Sarah attended classes at our Tallapoosa Paxen location, she gained “confidence” in herself. Support services were put in place to assist Sarah with transportation. Additionally, she received GED instruction, work readiness training, and leadership development. Further, Sarah received financial literacy training providing her with a better understanding of “budgeting her finances”. Finally, Sarah completed a paid work experience at the CCC in Haralson County.
Even with the COVID Pandemic lingering, Sarah earned her GED credential and will participate in our 2021 graduation ceremony.
Sarah stated that she was “more comfortable in the GED setting because the class size was smaller, and she received more one-on-one instruction than in the regular school setting.” Sarah also stated that she was able “to move at her own pace” which she liked because she was further along than some of her classmates.
Sarah would recommend our program to other students in a similar situation as her.
(Story submitted by Courtney Rouse, Program Manager, Northwest Georgia, Eckerd Connects)
Sarah was referred to our program by Alan Kiker, the Director of The Community Christian Council (CCC) in Tallapoosa. Her goals were to earn a high school equivalence – GED credential and obtain adequate employment to support herself while attending classes. Sarah also has a goal of becoming a CNA. She had several barriers in her way of achieving her educational and employment goals. Such as:
- High school drop-out
- Transportation Issues
- Underage
As Sarah attended classes at our Tallapoosa Paxen location, she gained “confidence” in herself. Support services were put in place to assist Sarah with transportation. Additionally, she received GED instruction, work readiness training, and leadership development. Further, Sarah received financial literacy training providing her with a better understanding of “budgeting her finances”. Finally, Sarah completed a paid work experience at the CCC in Haralson County.
Even with the COVID Pandemic lingering, Sarah earned her GED credential and will participate in our 2021 graduation ceremony.
Sarah stated that she was “more comfortable in the GED setting because the class size was smaller, and she received more one-on-one instruction than in the regular school setting.” Sarah also stated that she was able “to move at her own pace” which she liked because she was further along than some of her classmates.
Sarah would recommend our program to other students in a similar situation as her.
(Story submitted by Courtney Rouse, Program Manager, Northwest Georgia, Eckerd Connects)
How WIOA and WGTC helped me reach my goal!
WIOA helped me when I needed it most! I was a single mom trying to put myself through school so that my daughter & I could have a better life. WIOA came along side me in that most challenging time and helped me by providing the funding for everything school related that Hope or Pell didn’t cover. What a blessing, each semester to know financially I was covered and could concentrate on my studies instead of on worrying about expenses and how I was going to pay for school. I received assistance with childcare and travel reimbursements as well. This may not sound like much, but to me it was amazing!
The Murphy Campus Career Center and WIOA provided a quiet computer room for school work and studying which I utilized A Lot! Weekly study sessions and resources that proved to be irreplaceable for this RN student. The staff was always so helpful no matter what the issue or materials needed. Mrs. Barbara Tipton was so helpful, she would gladly take time out of her busy day to provide a listening ear, work out a technology issue or review my resume and edit it for me. She has helped me and so many ways, along with countless others. She will always have a special place in my heart.
Today, I am officially a WGTC graduate with an AAS in Nursing! I have been offered a position with Tanner on the Oncology floor and begin this exciting journey next week. I stand at the threshold of a long sought after dream and my new journey as a RN! I am SO excited and I seriously couldn’t have accomplished this without WGTC and WIOA helping me. I highly recommend WIOA to everyone! They provide that extra help which is more than financial!
~Lacey, RN
WIOA helped me when I needed it most! I was a single mom trying to put myself through school so that my daughter & I could have a better life. WIOA came along side me in that most challenging time and helped me by providing the funding for everything school related that Hope or Pell didn’t cover. What a blessing, each semester to know financially I was covered and could concentrate on my studies instead of on worrying about expenses and how I was going to pay for school. I received assistance with childcare and travel reimbursements as well. This may not sound like much, but to me it was amazing!
The Murphy Campus Career Center and WIOA provided a quiet computer room for school work and studying which I utilized A Lot! Weekly study sessions and resources that proved to be irreplaceable for this RN student. The staff was always so helpful no matter what the issue or materials needed. Mrs. Barbara Tipton was so helpful, she would gladly take time out of her busy day to provide a listening ear, work out a technology issue or review my resume and edit it for me. She has helped me and so many ways, along with countless others. She will always have a special place in my heart.
Today, I am officially a WGTC graduate with an AAS in Nursing! I have been offered a position with Tanner on the Oncology floor and begin this exciting journey next week. I stand at the threshold of a long sought after dream and my new journey as a RN! I am SO excited and I seriously couldn’t have accomplished this without WGTC and WIOA helping me. I highly recommend WIOA to everyone! They provide that extra help which is more than financial!
~Lacey, RN
"WIOA has impacted my life drastically, it gave me a second chance to accomplish my goals and move my life in a positive direction.
Not only did WIOA help cover my expenses, they allowed me to have a piece of mind during a challenging time. Nursing school itself is very demanding, emotional, and stressful. WIOA gave me the opportunity to focus solely on school, which for me was the key to being successful. With the sole focus on school it allowed me to become a better student and overall a better nurse.
I can't thank the WIOA program enough for all they have done for me and for others. Before I heard of WIOA, i worried about how I would have enough gas to get to school\clinical and how I was.going to pay for my nursing equipment and books. With WIOA, I was able to get the tools I needed to be successful and was able to use these supplies to function adequately as a student nurse. I want to personally thank Anne and this amazing program for helping me achieve my goal, and giving me the opportunity to fulfill my dream."
Kelli, Nursing program
Not only did WIOA help cover my expenses, they allowed me to have a piece of mind during a challenging time. Nursing school itself is very demanding, emotional, and stressful. WIOA gave me the opportunity to focus solely on school, which for me was the key to being successful. With the sole focus on school it allowed me to become a better student and overall a better nurse.
I can't thank the WIOA program enough for all they have done for me and for others. Before I heard of WIOA, i worried about how I would have enough gas to get to school\clinical and how I was.going to pay for my nursing equipment and books. With WIOA, I was able to get the tools I needed to be successful and was able to use these supplies to function adequately as a student nurse. I want to personally thank Anne and this amazing program for helping me achieve my goal, and giving me the opportunity to fulfill my dream."
Kelli, Nursing program
When Laquisha Pillow came to WIOA, she was a single mother of one, working part time, and receiving public assistance. She wanted to pursue her associates in Nursing at Georgia Highlands College. After starting the program, Laquisha realized that the nursing program would take a lot of her time she had to quit her part time job. WIOA helped fund her tuition, books, fees, childcare and transportation.
With the help of WIOA funding, she was able to take care of her household while attending a rigorous and challenging program. WIOA staff has seen her plenty of times coming to our resource room to study with groups, by herself, or to just simply print off assignments and lectures. She is not afraid to ask questions about the program and in doing so, she has become very knowledgeable and has helped spread the word about the WIOA program. As she approaches her last semester of the nursing program she has sought out part time employment at Floyd hospital. They have been very flexible with her class schedule and has guarantee her a position after she graduates in May of 2020.
WIOA Career Adviser Megan Conner adds, "As WIOA staff, I am very proud of her. She is overcoming her barriers and is seeking to break cycles. She is an intelligent and caring individual and I know she will do great things."
With the help of WIOA funding, she was able to take care of her household while attending a rigorous and challenging program. WIOA staff has seen her plenty of times coming to our resource room to study with groups, by herself, or to just simply print off assignments and lectures. She is not afraid to ask questions about the program and in doing so, she has become very knowledgeable and has helped spread the word about the WIOA program. As she approaches her last semester of the nursing program she has sought out part time employment at Floyd hospital. They have been very flexible with her class schedule and has guarantee her a position after she graduates in May of 2020.
WIOA Career Adviser Megan Conner adds, "As WIOA staff, I am very proud of her. She is overcoming her barriers and is seeking to break cycles. She is an intelligent and caring individual and I know she will do great things."