Work Program Benefits Local Youth

It’s not easy finding a job in this economy, but the Idaho Department of Labor is offering help to young adults who are willing to work.

The Workforce Investment Act Youth is not a new program, but it has received added funding this year for the region.

The program is designed to help youth who may face bigger obstacles in life get the education and training they need to become self-sufficient.

Jamie Higley is the program’s most recent graduate.

In 2008, she was a single mom with no money and only a high school education.

Today she has an associate,s degree from Eastern Idaho Technical College and a full-time job at Securities Connections Incorporated doing data entry.

It wasn’t until she enrolled in the program that her future started to look so bright.

“When I was in high school I thought, ‘I am never going to go to college. My family has no money. I have no help. I have no way to do this,'” Higley said.

As a single mother, Higley decided she needed an education to provide a better life for her daughter.

“I figured if I was going to do anything in life, I needed to start now while she was little,” Higley said.

Through the program she found an internship with a local Realtor and received financial aid so she could continue her education and provide for her daughter as well.

“The WIA Youth program helped me pay for things that while I was going to college I couldn’t put at the top of my list,? Higley said.

Higley had her exit interview Monday morning with her consultant, Pilar Ramirez.

Ramirez says Higley is just one of many success stories she has seen come through the program.

“I see them gain confidence in themselves. I see of them believe in themselves more but also gain employ-ability skills and an education, and an education no one can take away from them,? Ramirez said.

“I think people need to realize there is ton of help out there. You just have to be willing to go grab it,” Higley said.

If you or someone you know may benefit from educational assistance, you are encouraged to apply, especially those who are not currently in school.

To find out more about the Workforce Investment Act Youth, visit your local Idaho Department of Labor office or visit http://labor.idaho.gov/dnn/Home/tabid/517/Default.aspx.