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“I was a 20-year-old eighth grade dropout when a friend introduced me to Ms. Yolanda and the NextGen program! Through their mentorship, training, and development I was able to pass all four tests and obtain my GED! Thank you!” ~Ryan Ryan joined the #NCWorks #NextGen program in June 2019 with the goal of earning his #GED and becoming an #entrepreneur. Ryan, an incredibly smart and ambitious young man, attended GED and real estate classes at the same time. Shortly thereafter

At the time of enrollment on February 14, 2020, a pregnant Dejah had become homeless and was living in a shelter with her baby boy. She had her mind set on getting housing but needed sustainable employment for that goal. She actively participated in professional development workshops, completed pre-employment training, and was able to get a job with the help of the #NCWorks #NextGen team. Within months, Dejah was provided additional resources for housing (through a partner

Melissa Simpson, owner of Lashes & Beyond, formed a partnership with the #NCWorks #NextGen program in August 2020 to provide employment and training opportunities to aspiring #cosmetologists. After 25 years of experience with her craft, Melissa wants nothing more than to help the community and give back. Currently, Melissa is mentoring Serae, who recently completed her Natural Hair Specialist Certification at Durham Tech. Serae is already a shop favorite and the other staff

Recent high school graduate, Tyra, and her mom moved from Philadelphia, PA to Durham, NC in April 2019. Their hope was to secure better employment and educational opportunities to improve their lives. Eight months later, Tyra joined the #NCWorks #NextGen program where she expressed an interest in working within an administrative role and with animals. Shortly thereafter, she began working on her pre-employment training and career assessment – which confirmed her areas of in

“Kimberly is accountable and a joy to work with. I admire her tenacity to keep going even when life issues cause a delay in progress.” – Ms. Ashley Kimberly entered the #NCWorks #NextGen program in July 2018. After dropping out of high school in 9th grade, Kimberly was determined to get her #GED. She attended Durham Literacy Center (DLC) to receive help and tutoring for the #HiSET exam. Kimberly struggled with health issues the entire time she attended DLC causing her to m

Will joined the #NCWorks #NextGen program in February 2020 with the hope of getting a career in the construction industry. Shortly after joining the program, he was displaced from his home in McDougald Terrace. But Will didn’t let the obstacles of temporarily living in a hotel room stop him from achieving his dreams. He faithfully attended a weeklong Career Pathways training, which allowed him to refresh his employment skills. He also attended monthly professional develop

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: 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

Brittany overcomes multiple obstacles to achieve her dreams Written by: Kima Sidberry Brittany has shown so much growth throughout the years and the challenges she has faced has helped her to be the woman she is today. “Brittany has been with me since I started as a career coach and she’s been someone who has always strived to be better at whatever is put in front of her. She has never let anything get in her way and sets a great example for her children.” ~ Kima Sidberry In

He seizes every opportunity that comes his way. Donovan is an autistic young man who functions on a very high level. Throughout his 19 years, he has faced some challenges which makes him work a little harder than his peers. Despite having to work a little bit harder, he successfully graduated from high school and knew exactly what he wanted in life – a career in transportation and logistics. “Donovan joined the NextGen program in March 2018 and has taken advantage of every op

Youth program introduces mentoring to further support and increase positive outcomes On Monday, January 14, 2019, the Durham Board of Commissioners issued a Proclamation in Recognition of January as National Mentoring Month. National Mentoring Month focuses attention on #youth #mentoring, the need for mentors, and how the community can work together to assure positive outcomes for our young people. No matter what, keep going... don't stop! ~Ms. Kezia Goodwin, Urban Ministries

Create a blog post subtitle that summarizes your post in a few short, punchy sentences and entices your audience to continue reading. Many thanks to Sean Ford of Aramark for sharing his time and expertise with our youth. Are you the best version of you at work? How do you display professionalism in the workplace? In case you missed it... On August 16, 2018, Sean participated in the #NCWorks #NextGen monthly #RapSession. These sessions feature different topics and community p

See how this amazing young man has overcome some tough barriers and is on his way to becoming an electrician. Originally from Bronx, NY, Tevin has traveled throughout the East coast and experienced many challenges in his life. After three years at Hillside High School, he decided to drop out of school and enroll in the YES program. I am exceptionally proud of this young man and all of his accomplishments in the short period of time that I’ve known him... Tevin is what it look

Local hiring event for displaced workers helps NCWorks NextGen connect with Durham youth. You never want to hear about anyone losing their job. Unfortunately, many full and part time Kroger employees are having to face this reality. Watch this inspirational video by Les Brown titled, How Bamboo Trees Will Bring Out Your Best Self (Goalcast, July 2018). It encourages you to embrace and overcome barriers. On June 2018, Kroger announced that it would be closing all 14 of its sto