Career Connect

Organization:
Hights Inc
Amount:
$477,926.00
Program Area:
Open Grants Program
County of Applicant:
Jackson
Year:
2024
Description:

This award provides funding to support a new workforce project, Career Connect, for vulnerable youth in Clay, Cherokee, and Graham counties and the Qualla Boundary. Career Connect builds upon and expands HIGHTS’ similar work in Jackson, Swain, Macon, and Haywood counties which was also funded by Golden LEAF and which HIGHTS expects to continue in partnership with local school systems and with other sources of funding. Career Connect will serve Eastern Band of Cherokee Indian youth, juvenile justice involved youth, alternative high school students, and community college finishers (up to age 25). A new Career Academy will provide five weeks of employability skills training, industry and college tours, and paid internships with employers in high demand fields such as the healthcare, construction, technology, and automotive industries. Expected outcomes for this project include 40 participants earning a third-party or industry recognized credential, 60 students participating in work-based learning experiences (internship, apprenticeship. pre-apprenticeship), and 30 participants placed in jobs and apprenticeships. Golden LEAF funds will be used for personnel, travel, paid work-based learning experiences, and other participant support services. HIGHTS will also use WIOA funding for this project.

Contact:
Marcus MetcalfPO 865Cullowhee, North Carolina 28723(828) 507-7231
Areas Served:
Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Jackson, Macon, Swain

Any project more than a couple of years old may not reflect current Board priorities.
Please contact a staff member with any questions.

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