Knowing exactly where she wanted to go with her career, Shantel came to the Warren Michigan Works! Career Center with a plan in November of 2017. All that was holding her back from starting the plan was the lack of finances to enroll in training.
Employed as a certified nurse assistant, twenty-four-year-old Shantel met with the Young Professionals’ staff with the goal of training as a Practical Nurse. She believed that continuing on the nursing career path would help her obtain financial independence for her family, allow her to be a role model, and to provide a stable life for her child.
Along with a Pell grant, Shantel received Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) training funds to enroll in the Practical Nursing course at Toledo School of Practical Nursing.
Additional supportive services provided required uniforms and a needed auto repair to maintain school attendance.
The financial assistance, along with Shantel’s hard work and dedication, led her to graduation at the top of her class in June of 2019. Two months later, she passed the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) and obtained employment as a Licensed Practical Nurse with Maxim Health. The new hourly wage boosted Shantel’s income by more than 35%.
