Meet Michelle Arkansas

Workforce Challenge

Workforce Success Story Submitted By: Arkansas Workforce Center - Van Buren

An inspiring young woman excels in her WIA Youth job placement, earning 2011 Youth of the Year and competing for a national scholarship.

Michelle came to WIA as a young teen with multiple barriers and a non-existent home life. It was obvious from the beginning that, despite her circumstances, Michelle was no ordinary teenager and she certainly was not going to let her past dictate her future. Wise beyond her young years, and eager to take control of her own life and future, Michelle stood out as a young woman destined to succeed.

Workforce Solution

After interviewing and counseling, Michelle was placed at the Jeffrey Boys & Girls Club in Fort Smith Arkansas to learn employability skills while earning a much-needed income. During her time as a WIA client, she has exceeded all the expectations of her case manager and supervisor. Michelle has participated in workshops and activities with great enthusiasm and has shown exemplary leadership skills through interaction with her peers and the younger children at her work site. In addition to working at her job and meeting all the requirements of the WIA program, Michelle has maintained good grades at school while participating in numerous extracurricular and volunteer activities.

Outcomes & Benefits

Through self-discipline, hard work, and a positive attitude, Michelle has demonstrated how ones life can be transformed. She was voted "2011 Youth of the Year" at the Boys & Girls Club and was honored at a city-wide banquet this week. She will now compete for the State Youth of the Year, and then Regional, and if she wins, will go on to Washington, DC for the National competition. The winner will receive a $50,000 scholarship from Oprah Winfrey. Michelle plans to begin her college career in the fall.

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