The very emotional event took place at the Wayne Community Center in the city of Wayne. With the help of the Romulus Family Independence Agency (FIA) and the William D. Ford Career Technical Center, ETD developed a PAL program that would help adults in the community receive educational training as well as job specific training. The students studied occupational materials in the morning and basics skills training in the afternoons. All of the classes were held at William D. Ford Career Technical Center. The program was made possible through the funding of the Partnership for Adult Learning Act. This new and innovative program is an intensive six weeks of training that provides accelerated literacy and math skills using computers and technology. More importantly, the State Legislature emphasized that publically funded Adult Literacy Programs should have an employment focus.
31 people graduated from the LIFE program which was funded by the Partnership for Adult Learning.
In the past, adult learning programs have taken from 2 to 3 years of study before the student is ready to enter the workforce. With training being accomplished in just six weeks, these graduates are able to fill positions that employers are looking to fill now, not years down the road.
SEMCA Executive Director John B. O’Reilly spoke to the crowd about the importance of the PAL program and SEMCA’s new Strategic Planning Initiative.
Skills training included:
- Computer Aided Design
- Culinary Arts
- Health Services Occupations (Unit Clerk, Medical Transcription)
- Electronics
“The key here is that there are a lot of jobs out there if you have the right skills.” John B. O’Reilly, Jr. told the graduates.
Kathy Beeny, Project Zero Coordinator for the Romulus FIA stated that this was “one of the most positive experiences of my career.”
Mr. Shamoon urged the graduates to not let anyone place limits on them. “It is not where you come from, it is where you are going...It is not what you drive, but what drives you. This is your chance.” he said
After all of the certificates were handed out, a few of the graduates approached the podium and expressed their thanks to the people and agencies who helped them achieve their goals.
RaShae-Monet Darkins told the audience “Thank you for helping us move forward with our lives.”
Angelic Ramey tearfully thanked the people who made this program possible “I appreciate the opportunity to be here.” she said.
(right) Kathy Beeny hands Monica Newson (left) her certificates. Monica also had perfect attendance for the entire six weeks of the training.