Empowering Futures: How Americans Helping Americans® Grant Funds Made a Lasting Impact for Recent High School Graduates

In July 2023, Americans Helping Americans® announced its new Want2Work (W2W) initiative, providing vocational and technical schools within Appalachia with grant funding. This funding is awarded to students to purchase essential items like scrubs for nursing students and diagnostic tools for auto mechanics students, as well as covering the costs for certification tests and other miscellaneous expenses that create barriers to students pursuing a career path.

Expanding Reach: Vocational Training Across Appalachia

The program kicked off with three centers: the Lee County, Kentucky, Area Technology Center (ATC); the Lee County, Virginia, Career and Technical Center (CTC); and the Estill County, Kentucky, ATC. Since then, the initiative has expanded to the Tazewell County, Virginia, CTC and most recently to White County High School in Cleveland, Georgia.

Real-World Success: Stories from Want2Work Recipients

Kathy London, WCHS work-based learning coordinator, recently reported on the program's success, stating this month that: "The tools, clothing, and equipment provided through the generous support of Americans Helping Americans® have truly jump-started the careers of our students, helping them transition from high school into the workforce and higher education with confidence and purpose."

Tyler Seymour: Building Homes, Building Careers

Thanks to this funding, students like Tyler Seymour were equipped with the tools necessary to step directly into meaningful work, Kathy reported. Tyler is currently employed with Tom Williams Residential, where he uses the tools he received to help build tiny homes in Cleveland, Georgia. These homes provide permanent, affordable housing for White County residents who might otherwise be forced to pay rent in neighboring counties.

Riley Freeman: Mechanics Tools for a Bright Future

Riley Freeman, another recipient, received a set of auto mechanic tools that he now uses to repair engines. These tools will continue to serve him well as he begins his studies in auto mechanics at North Georgia Technical College, building on the skills he has already put to use in hands-on work.

Aubrey Bolton & Isabella Moschiano: A Head Start in Healthcare

In the healthcare field, Aubrey Bolton and Isabella Moschiano received scrubs and stethoscopes, which they immediately put to use during their internships at Northeast Georgia Medical Center. Both students, who had a head start on college credits thanks to AP and dual enrollment courses, are set to begin nursing school this coming year. Their early exposure to the medical profession has been instrumental in solidifying their career paths.

Leland Wilson: Driving Forward with Diesel Skills

Leland Wilson is another outstanding example. Provided with diesel mechanic tools, Leland is already using them on the job and will continue to rely on this equipment when he begins diesel mechanic courses at Lanier Technical College in the fall.

A Community-Wide Benefit: Kathy London on Impact

“These students represent just a few of the many young individuals who have been equipped and empowered to begin their professional journeys because of the generosity of Americans Helping Americans®,” Kathy states.

“Your support has not only provided tangible resources; it has opened doors, built confidence, and helped forge lasting career paths that will benefit our entire community for years to come.”