Reaching for the STARS - Michelle's Story

Above: an early childhood educator assists a young girl

A truly inspirational success story comes from the Center for Career Alternatives (CCA), who recently wrote to us about a student named “Michelle” who made transformational change through her participation in the valuable

Career Readiness program. 

Michelle came to the Center for Career Alternatives as a 17 year old high school drop out with a history of crime and drug use.  She had no job skills, motivation, or future goals and dreams. After enrolling in the WIA sponsored Career Readiness program on October 2006, she began drug treatment, received academic/life skills/pre-employment/career development instruction, began to regain her self confidence and motivation, she was placed in Work Experience (WEX) program for 3 months at Tomorrow's Hope Childcare Center earning $8.87 per hour.

Michelle went on to earn her GED, develop work readiness & childcare skills, and was hired full-time for a childcare position that was vacant at her WEX site. She became STARS certified, enrolled in the “Early Childhood Education Program" at Everett Community College, and after 9 month she still has positive job retention. This year the Career Readiness program has helped an additional 68 youth earned their GED credentials.

About CCA and the Career Readiness Program

Center for Career Alternatives (CCA) serves dropout youth, ages 16 to 21, whose goal is to improve reading, writing and math skills, obtain a GED and become employed.  Classes take place at CCA’s Learning Center in central Everett, and include life skills and career exploration activities.  Two Certified teachers and two educational assistants lead students through a variety of lessons and activities in the learning center.  Professional case managers assist students with career exploration and life skill development.  Students also receive assistance from job developers to address employment issues and receive placement in short term training with local companies in order to gain job readiness skills.