NW-SCC receives $500K grant for Youth Success Program

The Youth Success Program at Northwest-Shoals Community College has been funded $500,000 for 2018-2019 by the Governor’s Local Workforce Areas.

The grant award includes a $32,000 increase over the 2017-2018 program year, according to NW-SCC. The budget increase will allow the program to serve at least 125 out-of-school youth in Colbert, Franklin, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Marion and Winston counties.

“This is such an exciting time for our program,” said Youth Success Program coordinator Kenneth Loveless. “With the increase in funding, we can positively impact more lives in Northwest Alabama and help them reach their educational and employment goals.”

In the past year, the YSP served 110 out-of-school youth, which surpassed the goal of 100. Through the help of the YSP program, 23 students earned their GEDs or high school diplomas; nine entered college; 16 received a credential or certificate, for which YSP provided $24,369 in book scholarships and tuition; and 27 obtained employment.

The Youth Success Program at NW-SCC serves out-of-school youth ranging in age from 16-24. YSP identifies and assists those who have been unable to complete their education and need guidance and assistance deciding between continuing their education and seeking additional training toward employment.

YSP offers services such as job skills/employment training, GED support, college enrollment assistance, tutoring and mentoring.

For more information on the NW-SCC Youth Success Program, call 256-331-5262.