Delta Workforce Development Area and Warren Washington Issaquena Sharkey Community Action Agency (WWISCAA) is hosting a celebration for their graduates at 6 p.m. tonight at the Washington County Convention Center.
The graduation is a celebration for this year’s 65 participants of the Workforce Investment Opportunity Act (WIOA) programs in Washington, Sharkey and Issaquena counties. These participants, ages 16-24, are in the GED program or the Career Readiness program. All participants will receive a Career Readiness Certificate (CRC) or a General Education Development (GED) certificate.
The graduation is open to public.
To participate in the GED program, the student must be a high school dropout. However, as part of the State plan, effective July 1, WWISCAA will no longer be assisting with the GED program but will be referring to other designated programs at community colleges and other entities.
South Delta is the fiscal administrative agency for the Delta Workforce Development Area and provides support to the WIOA programs.
WWISCAA is under the leadership of Jannis Williams, executive director, and Jan Vaughn, youth director.
“WIOA-WWISCAA programs has been very successful in Washington, Sharkey and Issaquena counties,” Vaughn said. “These programs have been a lifesaver for these participants and have been truly a gateway to a successful future.”
For students participating in the GED program, these are tested on four subject areas, including math, science, social studies and language. All participants that take the CRC career readiness test for certification of being work ready at varied levels; Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum.
“We congratulate and inspire our students to use their certificates as a stepping stone to help carve out brilliant careers for themselves. We encourage them to play their part in making the world a better place to live,” Williams said.
WIA (Workforce Investment Act) is for both the unemployed in counties including Issaquena and Washington as well as youth ages 16-21.
Other participants may be senior citizens or parents that were caring for a child that want to re-enter the workforce.
WWISCAA, partnering with job centers, will help the person by trying to place them into position to land a new or better job. The youth can enroll into a Summer Work Experience Program or internship.
Clients can be given hands-on experience working within certain fields. IT skills can be enhanced, ranging from basic computer skills to Microsoft applications such as Excel. This is often in partnership with Mississippi Department of Human Services. Resume review, counseling, cover letter creation, and other services are arranged.
