London
Youth Program Coordinator Jo Dene Kern reports on her customer. “London contacted Man-Tra-Con in September 2023, requesting to be enrolled in our Youth Services Program. She was a struggling 17-year-old high school student who was seeking credit recovery and other supportive services. With no work experience, basic skills deficient, and lacking motivation, London was on the verge of giving up,” Jo Dene explains.
“Transitioning from a small community high school to an alternative school to earn the credits she needed to graduate was difficult for London. She applied and was enrolled in the Youth Services Program. London passed 2 out of the 2.5 credits she needed—leaving her final subject—math. London had trouble staying focused and wanted to give up after failing several math exams,” Jo Dene adds.
Under the guidance of her career counselor, London enrolled in the Work Experience Program (WEP) and was given a 3-month position working in the resource room of the American Job Center in Marion, Illinois. Federally funded by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), the Work Experience Program was developed to help job seekers get paid while gaining marketable skills.
“As a Resource Room Assistant, London helped Man-Tra-Con customers with online job search and also directed them to their career specialists as needed. The WEP position helped London to flourish! She developed leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills during the program. When her WEP ended, London studied remotely from home until she felt confident to return to the classroom, pass her final math exam, and graduate with a diploma. I am proud to say that she succeeded,” Jo Dene exclaims!
“When London first enrolled in the Youth Services Program, she had a career goal to work in Early Childhood Development. Her goal had not changed after graduation, and she immediately began applying for jobs at daycare and pre-school centers. We had discussed the possibility of enrolling in post-secondary education for early childhood certification to secure a position in her desired career goal. However, London interviewed at Little Treasures Child Development Center, and was hired in June 2024. She is currently working there full-time as a Childcare Assistant, earning $15.00 per hour. London wants to continue to work and return to school in a few years. She says that she will advance in wages with every certificate she earns in Early Childhood Development,” Jo Dene says.
London was grateful and appreciative that Man-Tra-Con helped her to keep going and not give up on math.
“I dropped out of the alternative school in February and my career specialist convinced me to return in March, but, study remotely since the drive to/from school is 57 miles round trip. This way, I didn’t have to drive 1 hour through 2 towns for 1 class, then return back home. This was the best decision, and when I returned to class to take my math test again, I passed with a ‘B’. I received my diploma! I could have never done this on my own. Thank you, Man-Tra-Con,” London says.