Leticia met with a Youth Employment and Training Programs Case Manager. Leticia was informed of the assistance the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program could provide her to help her in obtaining her HSE, and at the same time gain work experience. Leticia and her mom decided to seize the opportunity. 

Leticia was enrolled into WIOA just before the pandemic started. Shortly after her start, curve ball after curve ball was thrown at her; Leticia had to study from home, had to borrow a laptop from the local library, struggled with a death of a sibling, and had to overcome her most difficult academic subject, math. She passed her first of four HSE tests in January 2021, once testing sites reopened. Leticia started a new job on the same day she took her fourth and final HSE test. She obtained her HSE in May 2021. Leticia became angry and wanted to give up several times throughout her 15 months participating in WIOA; however, with guidance and support from her Case Manager, she was able to achieve her educational and employment goals.