AUGUST 27, 2009 ISSUE
Stimulus Funds at Work in the High Country
Youth Participant Earns Money to Continue College Career
Avery County resident Erin Henry, 18, is struggling to send herself back to college. But like many young adults trying to further their education, she is scrambling to find the money.
Through N.C. Summer Jobs, an American Recovery and Reinvestment Act initiative administered through the High Country Workforce Development Board’s Get REAL Youth Services, Henry has found some financial help.
Get REAL Youth Services is a year-round youth service program funded through the federal Workforce Investment Act.
To complete N.C. Summer Jobs Henry must work up to 210 hours in six to eight weeks at her assigned worksite, the Avery County Chamber of Commerce. During her time with the chamber, Henry has significantly developed her office skills to include Microsoft Excel and emailing.
“I’ve never been technically savvy, so I’m learning more about how to use a computer,” she said. “Through this program, I now have more of a knowledge of the office work that goes into running a business.”
Henry has helped develop promotional materials such as buttons, flyers and brochures for chamber events like the 2009 Woolly Worm Festival coming up October 17 to 18 and Fine Arts and Master Crafts Festival that was held August 22 to 23.
Susan Freeman, executive director of the Avery County Chamber, said Henry has been a great asset to chamber.
“We have used her to fill in the gaps at the Avery County Chamber,” Freeman said. “She has taken on independent responsibilities from implementing a newsletter to assisting visitors.”
Freeman expressed much gratitude towards Avery County JobLink Career Center for finding them the perfect youth participant to fit the chamber’s needs.
“They did great research on their end,” Freeman said. “They were familiar enough with our community and were able to create a great partnership.”
The goals behind N.C. Summer Jobs are to give young workers with employment challenges the opportunity to gain experience in a professional environment and to teach youth participants essential job-readiness skills that will help them move into long-term jobs when the summer program ends.
“I am glad that this program is giving these kids an opportunity to be placed in a job,” Freeman said. “It allows the students to get money that they need and the work experience they need to succeed.”
Henry said N.C. Summer Jobs has helped her save money for her college fund.
“Honestly, I was really in need of another job,” she said. “I only wish that the job lasted longer. It is too short.”
For more information about youth opportunities in Avery County, contact Allen Cook at the Avery County JobLink Career Center at 828-733-3901.
Community Interest
News & Notes
Events
Arts & Entertainment
