Meet Tatum
Colorado - Meet Tatum
Workforce Success Story Submitted By: Larimer County Economic and Workforce Development
Workforce Challenge
Tatum was referred to Larimer County Economic & Workforce Development as a 17 year old youth who had dropped out of high school. Lack of social supports in school and a need to work to help support her family financially were her main reasons for leaving traditional education.
Workforce Solution
Tatum enrolled in our Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act youth program where her Career Specialist was able to help her identify her learning needs to pursue her GED. A partnership with the local Adult Basic Ed provider had Tatum enrolled in GED classes within a week. While she worked on her basic education skills, Tatum engaged in intensive career exploration with her Career Specialist and identified two career pathways she wanted to explore. Tatum participated in a successful paid work experience at a local veterinarian's office gaining valuable professional work skills and career exposure. In the Spring, she completed her GED (pictured here at our graduation ceremony) and immediately began working with her Career Specialist to enroll in Post Secondary Education at Front Range Community College including an application to the College Opportunity Scholarship Initiative. Tatum was placed in a second internship experience at a local Elementary School and excelled in that as well, all while juggling a full time course load at Front Range.
Outcomes & Benefits
Tatum now finds herself getting ready to head in to her second year towards her Associate of Science Degree. She has maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout. She and her Career Specialist are now working on her application for transfer to Colorado State University in the Fall 2021 to pursue a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education & Child Psychology.
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