Innovative Program Gives Students Life and Job Skills

ASHEVILLE, N.C., March 17 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Chanell Daniels wasn't thrilled about having to accept public assistance, but the welfare of her children pressed her to take advantage of educational programs available.

Daniel was attending classes at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College in Asheville, N.C., through Work First, a state program offering short-term training to help parents become employed and self-sufficient, when she enrolled in A-B Tech's ASPIRE (Assessing Strengths, Promoting Integrity, Retaining Employment) program.

"In the back of my mind, I said 'I can't do this.' My self-esteem was pretty low," said Daniels, the mother of three. "Once I started, I couldn't wait to get up and go to class. My teachers touched me in a way that was unbelievable. They gave the extra push I needed at that time."

Students in the ASPIRE program learn the fundamentals of seeking, securing, and keeping a job and overall wellbeing. The students are taught skills ranging from how to set goals and overcome fears and barriers, to how to cook nutritious, inexpensive meals.

The program, a partnership between A-B Tech and Work First, recently was recognized as North Carolina's "Best Practice" at the Employment and Training Administration/Temporary Assistance to Needy Families joint conference.

Instructors Alma Fisher and Linda Gregory also teach techniques for a successful interview and basic computer knowledge. Students explore work behavior skills to help them keep a job and advance in the workplace and create their own resumes.

"We had to write a paper on three things we were proud of. It made me sit down and think about what I have accomplished and not what I haven't," said Daniels, who will graduate from A-B Tech in August with an associate's degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management.  "At that point, I had my first year of college completed and saw that I needed to swallow my pride and come back."

After a divorce, Daniels was concerned she wouldn't be able to complete her educational goals. "Alma and Linda really pushed me. There is always a teacher in our lives that we always remember and these two I will definitely remember. They were able to pull what was inside of me and bring it to the surface. The things that I learned will last me a lifetime," she said.

SOURCE Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College

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