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NCWorks NextGen Durham helps student pursue nursing career.

“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

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

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

“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

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

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,

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

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