Above: Summer Denning, 18, of Silver Run, at front, and Mikayla Crawford, 18, of Ramsey Springs, work on computer training that will help them prepare for the high-school equivalency test and future careers. Both are participating in the WIOA Youth Out-of-School Program in Stone County that is provided at no cost to eligible participants through a grant from the Southern Mississippi Planning & Development District and the Twin Districts Workforce Development Area.
Young adults in Stone County are getting a helping hand from a new grant program offered at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. The WIOA Youth Out-of-School Program, provided at the college’s Perkinston Campus, is a program designed for Stone County residents between the ages of 16-24 years old, who are not attending any school and may or may not need a high school diploma. The program is designed to help participants complete a high school diploma (if needed), gain life skills, and attain a career.
“The program, funded by the Southern Mississippi Planning & Development District and the Twin Districts Workforce Development Area, is provided at no cost to participants,” said Irvette Dove, program instructor. “It is designed to help low-income individuals who need help preparing for and getting a good job.”
The program will help participants prepare for the workforce through the WorkKeys assessment (CRC), Career Assessment Plan, Money Smart Financial Literacy program, Bring Your ‘A’ Game, and skill-specific training programs. “During the course of the program, participants will gain preparatory certifications and their high school equivalency (HSE) certificate,” she said. “Plus, they will participate in paid work experiences and internships at local industries and businesses who will potentially provide opportunities and referrals for future career choices.”
Summer Denning, 18, of Silver Run, said the program is already helping her. “I was initially interested in getting my high school equivalency, had called the college, and found out about this program,” Denning said. “I started classes last week and it has already proven awesome for me in getting the basic skills I need to prepare for my career.”
Denning plans to attend MGCCC’s nursing program after completing her HSE. “My friends who are in nursing and already nurses told me to come to MGCCC for nursing because the programs here are great and the instructors make the material easier to understand. I know I still have to get through this program, but the idea of becoming a nurse is exciting.”
WIOA program instructor Irvette Dove, left, helps Mikayla Crawford, 18, of Ramsey Springs. Crawford is participating in the WIOA Youth Out-of-School Program in Stone County with plans to get her high-school equivalency certificate and an internship that will prepare her for a future career.
Mikayla Crawford, 18, of Ramsey Springs, and “I dropped out of high school because I was very ill and having seizures all the time,” Crawford said. “After getting my health under control, I called the college to see what I could do to finish. They recommended this program to me.”
“It is difficult to make the decision to work toward your HSE after you have been out for a while, and to then actually begin a program,” Crawford said. “It can be a little embarrassing and scary, but Ms. Irvette has made it so easy and welcoming. I’m really enjoying what we are doing here.” Crawford is planning on majoring in Film Studies and Graphic Design. “I like the arts and being creative, so I definitely plan to major in something related to that. I love the idea of working behind the camera or in production in theatre or film, but I also love the visual arts as well.” She is hoping that the career assessment, exploration and plan help her decide which direction is best suited for her.
To be eligible for the program, participants must be 16 to 24 years old, out of school, residents of Stone County, low income and basic skills deficient. For more information about the program or to apply, contact Irvette Dove, (601) 528-8486 or irvette.dove@mgccc.edu.