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By: Ashley Carter, Career Coach Industry: Cosmetology Kia, a graduate from North Carolina Central University, came to #NCWorks #NextGen mission driven to become a licensed #cosmetologist. Kia needed support and felt that she didn’t have any options after her school, Durham Beauty Academy, announced they were closing. When the school closed, housing became a new issue. She found herself in need of a place to stay and possibly having to start her #cosmetology training over.

By: Anthony Rogers, Outreach Specialist Industry: Construction North Carolina based Sierra Structures specializes in residential and commercial fence #construction, decks, and screened porches. In December of 2017, I walked into Sierra Structures with the hope of securing a youth with no experience a job opportunity. The owner, Ken Meashey, understood the #NCWorks #NextGen program’s mission, was supportive and understood that some of our youth need a second chance. Since th

By: Anthony Rogers, Outreach Specialist Industry: Public Health The primary mission of the Durham County Department of Health is working with the community to prevent disease, promote health and protect the environment. One additional mission it has chosen to fulfill is helping to expose our youth to entry level training opportunities. On August 13, 2019, high school senior Aissa, started a 200-hour leadership internship within the Qualitative Research field. Aissa’s main

By: Ashley Carter, Career Coach Industry: Hospitality Nateka entered the #NCWorks #NextGen program as an 18-year-old single mom who needed her high school diploma, childcare and a job. She was uncertain about her future being a single parent but understood the value of an education. To help meet her education goals, Nateka enrolled in Achievement Academy and received tutoring to prepare her for the #GED test. Soon it became hard for her to attend classes consistently becau

By: Crystal Taylor, Lead Career Coach Industry: Auto Mechanic After graduating from high school, Travondre attended the Earl C. Clements Job Corp in Morganfield, KY. While there, he received numerous certifications in #automotive repair. Once he returned home, Travondre faced barriers with living at home with his mother, grandmother and six siblings. He felt the need to become financially stable. On October 2019, Travondre joined the #NextGen program. His main goal was #e

By: Anthony Rogers, Outreach Specialist Industry: Health Science Durham Center for Senior Life (#DCSL) is an independent, non-profit organization that provides an array of programs and services for older adults. On January 18, 2019, Tiketha Collins - Director of the Adult Day Program, contacted the #NextGen program to inquire about filling some their vacancies. She had learned about our program through an Internet search and was interested in partnering with us. After a coupl

By: Crystal Taylor, Lead Career Coach Industry: Hospitality & Tourism, Retail Quantez was enrolled into the #NextGen program on August 19, 2019, as a referral from #UrbanMinistries, where he was residing. Quantez moved to #DurhamNC from Roanoke Rapids after facing some legal issues and found himself homeless. With all his barriers, he stays motivated and determined to make steps towards having a positive future. From the beginning, Quantez had a plan on how to accomplish his

By: Ashley Carter, Career Coach Industry: Health Science Angel joined the #NextGen program in February 2019 during her senior year at Hillside High School. While completing her senior year, Angel did an amazing job of providing for her now four-year-old daughter and working in her career pathway interest in #childcare. Angel has set a great example for other participants who are parenting and still want to pursue their goals. ~Ashley C., Career Coach In March 2019, Angel co

On November 15, 2018, #NCWorksNextGen hosted its first Youth Choice Awards Program. Every month, we host a Rap Session with our students. These sessions focus on enhancing their professional and personal skills (e.g. financial literacy, entrepreneurship). During the planning process, we thought it would be a good idea to take a break from professional development and celebrate our youth’s accomplishments (especially since this would be the last Rap Session for 2018). Ideas we