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First College Graduate in the Family

Monica Martin

Store Closure Allows Culinary Dream to Come True Roseville Career Center Submitted by Christine Rinaldi Just twenty-one-years old, Monica Martin had been working as a cashier for 5 years and was independent from her family. When Monica was accepted for selective admission in the Associates Degree in Nursing (RN) program at St Clair County Community College, she looked to Michigan Works! for funding assistance. Monica qualified for an Individual Training Account (ITA) with Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Adult funds. The ITA, along with a Pell grant and TIP awards was able to cover the entire tuition costs for each of the four semesters of the nursing program. Additionally, WIOA training funds met the added costs of required supplies, books, uniforms, immunizations, drug screening and a Basic Life Support class. Funding through supportive services also assisted with needed vehicle repairs when the car Monica was using to drive to classes and clinicals broke down. Monica graduated Cum Laude from St. Clair County Community College on May 3rd, 2019 with an Associate Degree in Applied Arts/Science with a major in Nursing ADN. The last bit of financial assistance provided for required fingerprinting, a background check, the state license and exam fees, which helped Monica with the final steps leading to employment as a registered nurse. Two years since her first call to Michigan Works! Monica is employed full-time as a registered nurse with McLaren Macomb. Monica’s ambition, along with financial support, guided her to a new career with an hourly wage that is more than three times her former wages at the grocery store. “Erin, Thanks to you and your wonderful team in Port Huron, I became the first person on either side of my family to graduate college and break the chain of poverty!! I will truly be forever grateful for ALL of your help!”
– Monica Martin, RN