By Staff
Jason Cannon, Franklin County Times
Franklin County's high school drop outs are getting a second chance at success.
This week Gov. Bob Riley awarded a $363,000 grant to Northwest Shoals Community College to continue a program that offers education, job training and other assistance to help youths, ages 16-21, begin careers.
The program, called Youth Success, will serve about 120 youths in Franklin and surrounding counties during the next 12 months.
"Youths who lack a basic education and job-skills training face serious barriers to employment," Riley said. "Through this program, youths can attain the education and skills they need to turn their lives around and become self-supporting citizens."
Program tutors help participants improve academic and testing skills and prepare for the General Equivalency Diploma examination. Participants also are provided training in occupational skills for high-demand jobs in the advanced manufacturing, construction, health care and information technology industries.
In addition to educational opportunities, the program helps participants establish appropriate career goals and acquire work experience through job shadowing, internships and on-the-job training. Participants also receive help with resume preparation and job search assistance.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs will administer the grant which Riley awarded from funds made available to Alabama by the U.S. Labor Department.