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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

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: 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

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

His goals were clear: Complete HiSET. Enter biotech or biomedical engineering. Youssou moved to the United States March 7, 2013 from Senegal, Africa. He learned to speak English within four months of being in the United States! When he enrolled in NextGen on August 21, 2018, Youssou was on my mission to complete his HiSET with Durham Literacy Center and to get a work experience in biotech or biomedical engineering. Multiple successes back-to-back Fully committed to his goals,