Through the Americans Helping Americans® Want2Work initiative, vocational and technical schools across Appalachia can apply for grants to help students overcome financial barriers. These grants are used to purchase essential items like lab coats, smocks, and professional equipment, as well as cover the costs of certification tests and other expenses that might hinder students from pursuing their career paths.
Since the program began in 2023, partner organizations such as the Lee County Career and Technical Center (CTC) in Virginia and the Estill County Area Technology Center (ATC) in Kentucky have reported life-changing impacts for their students.
Making Education Possible at Lee County CTC
At the Lee County Career and Technical Center, program director Sherry Allen shared the story of SJ, a young mother with a one-year-old son. Thanks to funding from the Want2Work initiative, SJ’s first-semester tuition for the practical nursing program was fully covered.
SJ’s Story: Resilience and Determination
Before receiving the grant, SJ faced a financial crisis due to unexpected home repairs. She and her husband, who had recently purchased a home, couldn’t afford her $65 monthly tuition for four months. Sherry explained:
"She was so scared that she was going to have to drop out of the program due to lack of tuition payments."
In a letter to Americans Helping Americans®, SJ shared her heartfelt gratitude:
"I would like to start by saying thank you for your generosity and kindness by helping our program. It is greatly appreciated."
SJ grew up in southwest Virginia in a family of seven, where financial struggles were common. Her father’s work injury at a critical time led SJ, then 16, to take on two part-time jobs to support her family. Despite these challenges, she graduated from high school and started college while continuing to work multiple jobs. Later, her passion for nursing was inspired by her husband’s experience in the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program and her own life-threatening childbirth complications.
Now enrolled in the LPN program, SJ is pursuing her dream of becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) and later specializing as a midwife or pediatric nurse. She said:
"I’m doing this to give my son a better life, but I am also doing this for me. I have found a passion I absolutely love."
Supporting Aspiring Healthcare Workers at Estill County ATC
The Want2Work initiative has also had a major impact at the Estill County Area Technology Center (ATC), where the nurse aide class in the Health Science program is helping students prepare for careers in healthcare. However, many students face significant challenges, including two who are currently experiencing homelessness.
Meeting Critical Needs
According to principal Tammy Combs, Health Science students must wear scrubs and specific shoes for their clinical placements, but many cannot afford these necessary items. The Want2Work grant provided funding to supply:
- Clinical attire, including scrubs and shoes
- Essential equipment for training
Tammy emphasized the importance of this funding:
"This funding enables the Estill ATC to foster a supportive learning environment and empower students to succeed."
By addressing these financial obstacles, the grant ensures that all students, regardless of their personal circumstances, can focus on their education and career goals.
Empowering Appalachia’s Future Workforce
The Want2Work initiative is a lifeline for students pursuing vocational education in Appalachia. By removing financial barriers, this program allows students to focus on their studies, achieve their dreams, and contribute to their communities.
Key Benefits of the Want2Work Initiative:
- Covers essential costs like tuition, certification fees, and professional equipment.
- Provides equal access to education for students facing financial hardship.
- Supports aspiring healthcare workers and other vocational students in Appalachia.
Through programs like this, Americans Helping Americans® is creating brighter futures for students and building stronger Appalachian communities.
