MUSCLE SHOALS — North Alabama Works Local Workforce Development Executive Board has awarded Northwest Shoals Community College $580,000 to fund its Youth Success Program for 2022-2023. The college has campuses in Muscle Shoals and Phil Campbell.
This year’s grant includes an $80,000 increase over the last year and will help the program serve 135 youths in Colbert, Franklin, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Marion, and Winston counties.
“This is such an exciting time for our program,” said Kenneth Loveless, Youth Success program coordinator. “With the increase in funding, we can positively impact more lives in Northwest Alabama and help them reach their educational and employment goals.”
Over the past year, the program served 138 in-school and out-of-school youths, surpassing its goal of 100. With the program’s guidance, 18 students received their GED or high school diploma, 12 entered college, 64 received a credential or certificate (YSP also provided $40,000 in book scholarships and tuition) and 37 entered the workforce.
The Youth Success Program serves young people from ages 16-24, identifying and assisting those who have been unable to complete their education. The program offers guidance as they decide between continuing their education and seeking additional training toward employment.
Job skills and employment training, GED support, college enrollment assistance, tutoring, and mentoring are a few ways the program helps students. For more information, call 256-331-5262.
Northwest Shoals is part of the Alabama Community College System and home to almost 3,400 students. The school offers more than 100 certificate and degree programs and provides career technical, academic, and lifelong educational opportunities. For more information about Northwest Shoals, visit www.nwscc.edu.
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