Share:
Students in WIOA Youth Programs Attend Waubonsee’s First-Ever WIOA Youth Conference in March
Waubonsee Community College recently hosted students in the Waubonsee Works program for an inaugural conference, designed to provide students with the opportunity to network, gain insight from professionals, and participate in workshops focused on career readiness and personal growth.
The Waubonsee Works program, funded through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), offers qualified students the opportunity to earn short-term college or career certificates, and the opportunity to continue their education.
The conference kicked off with a panel of WIOA alumni, who shared how the program made a difference in their lives and careers. From there, conference participants chose from a variety of sessions, whose topics ranged from personal branding to using artificial intelligence to enhance learning and productivity.
For Aracelia Retana, a student working toward her associate degree in human resources, being involved with Waubonsee Works gave her the confidence boost she needed to continue with her education.
“I didn’t graduate high school, and I felt stuck while I watched my peers go to school and graduating,” she said. “I got my GED through Waubonsee Works, and once you’re bitten by the education bug, you’ve got the education bug. I’m now graduating in May, so I’m really excited about that.”
Trinity Garcia, a welding student, shared how the program reshaped her career path.
“I dropped out at the end of my senior year of high school, and I was not sure what I was going to do in terms of career or where my life would go,” she said.
One of Garcia’s biggest takeaways from the Youth Conference was connecting with Cayla Fuechsl, Instructor of Automotive Technology.
“She understood my struggle in terms of doubts and being taken seriously as a female in that field of work,” she said. “It’s so nice to see someone who is successful who experienced the same thing I did.”
With 65 attendees, the conference was a success, and plans are underway to plan a larger event for next year.
“It was powerful to see the impact WIOA funding has on people’s lives. This event not only highlighted the successes of WIOA alumni, but it also gave our current students hope and encouragement for their futures,” said Jennifer Lara, Waubonsee Works Program Manager.
For more information about how Waubonsee Works and how it supports students, visit waubonsee.edu/waubonseeworks.
