Workforce program provides skills for adult learners

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  The Literacy Council of Bowie and Miller Counties rolled out a new workforce program that allows adult learners to gain vital employment skills for Texarkana's job market. This program is built on strong partnerships with local organizations and employers who share our vision for student success.

  Our workforce program offers a wide range of assistance for job seekers, including free test preparation and certification exams for ServSafe, ACT WorkKeys, and the National Career Readiness Certificate. Workforce coordinator and AmeriCorps member Beth Carlton also provides guidance in creating resumes, cover letters, and online applications. Additionally, we provide limited scholarships to cover work-related expenses that would otherwise be barriers to employment for workforce program participants (steel-toed boots, scrubs, etc.). 

  One of our adult learners with special needs, Logan Webb, recently landed his first job thanks to preparation from our workforce program. Logan's mother, Christy Seastrunk, said the Literacy Council was instrumental in his success.

  "We were able to connect Logan with the Literacy Council at a time when we were looking for a way to get him engaged and find a new purpose," Seastrunk said. "Through his relationship with the Literacy Council, he was able to connect with Lost Pizza. For many, many years Logan has said the job he wanted to have one day was making pizzas so when the opportunity arose with Lost Pizza, he was thrilled. Ms. Jenny Wilder has been so welcoming with Logan, making sure he has always felt part of the Lost Pizza family. He is the happiest we have ever seen now that he has purpose, feels a part of a team, and is getting to fulfill his dream of working in a pizza restaurant. This opportunity means the world to this momma’s heart."