“
It’s tough going back when you’re a parent and you have a lot of other hats to wear... but it’s worth going back, even if it’s hard...
”
- Jessica Alopeus, JCC student
for free tuition under “No Worker Left Behind.” Participants must be at least 18 years old, must not have graduated from high school in the last two years, and must not be a fulltime college student. “I was a stay-at-home mom, and then I went to look for a job when my youngest hit kindergarten age,” said Jessica Alopeus, JCC student. “I quickly learned there aren’t a lot of jobs available.” Alopeus is working toward prerequisites to try to get into the general sonography program. “It’s tough going back when you’re a parent and you have a lot of other hats to wear,” Alopeus said. “But it’s worth going back, even if it is hard. It’s an amazing program for those who get it.”
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Those interested may start at either Michigan Works! or JCC. They must complete a career assessment called Job Fit with Michigan Works! to find what career areas are best suited for them. “Start the process with us to determine eligibility,” said Alvie Dungy, program coordinator with Michigan Works! At JCC, they must complete an application for admission, course placement, and fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. For those who have been to college before, transcripts should be requested. Michigan Works! personnel will help them decide what careers are available. Depending on all of the steps involved, the process may take anywhere from two to eight weeks.
Winter 2009 • Career Choices • 517.796.8467
Mary Ann Rainey, employment services specialist, is the contact for No Worker Left Behind at JCC, and she helps walk students through the process and remains in touch throughout their first semester. For those who have never been to college, she spends time explaining college terminology, how a degree is achieved, support services such as the Center for Student Success and more. “We are very committed to helping these students. We know how important this program is to them.” “I found the paper work was easy, and Michigan Works! was very clear about what they wanted me to do,” Williams said. “The program’s been wonderful. I tell everyone to see if you can go back to school. Education is very important in today’s workforce.”