LWA 1: Teshawn

19-year-old Teshawn exudes energy when he talks about plans to become a top performer in all that he sets his mind to. After reading the Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod, he started waking up every day at 5:30 a.m. to strategize what he desires to achieve that day. He has written out his monthly and yearly goals and has found a mentor to help him stay accountable to himself and his goals.

LWA 2: Lucas

Lucas was actively involved in Boy Scouts of America and played soccer throughout his high school years. After receiving his High School Diploma, Lucas attended classes at McHenry County College for two years in hopes of persuing a degree in Criminal Justice.

LWA 3: Tammy

My name is Tammy, I am 40-year-old married mother of three children. When I entered the program the company I worked for closed/merged. I lost my job and our household income decreased by 50%. My colleagues and I tried to petition for trade adjustment assistance, since we trained a company from India before ours closed. The petition came back denied and I was left unemployed with no college degree. I did receive unemployment assistance. I tried unsuccessfully entering back in the workplace at a pay scale to make ends meet. I only had a high school diploma and a lot of the jobs I would normally qualify for are now requiring some sort of college education.

LWA 4: Charles

A vocational counselor with Department of Human Services (DHS) and a teacher at Sterling High School referred Charles to Business Employment Skills Team, Inc. for help with employment. Charles, a senior at Sterling High School, met regularly with Business Employment Skills Team (BEST), DHS and Sterling High School to review job search best practices.

LWA 5: Korina

Korina had been unemployed for several months and felt like a person without a future. “I had a rough childhood and have always lacked confidence. I didn’t think I could ever get a really good job and was afraid I’d end up in a low-skill job without potential,” Korina says.

LWA 6: Anne

Anne came to the workNet DuPage Career Center seeking a career after nearly two decades of working dead-end jobs and living paycheck to paycheck. She enrolled in the Welding Certificate program at College of DuPage (COD) through a WIOA training grant.