Success Unlimited program helps young job seekers

With the current state of the economy, jobs are scarce, and even more so if you dropped out of high school.  But, a new program at Trident Literacy Association is helping to empower young people to get their G-E-D and enter the work force.  Also, helping them look the part as well.  The 12 month program is called Success Unlimited.  The program’s goal is to prepare students to enter full time employment or college.

It’s not your typical shopping trip at J.C. Penny Tuesday for young job seekers.  They are among twenty students between 17 and 21, enrolled in a new program at Trident Literacy Association called Success Unlimited.  All are high school dropouts, who are now trying to get their GED and train for jobs.  The program also helps students learn computer skills, participate in internships, and community service activities.  Students also receive new dress suits for their new start free of charge.  Program director Jennifer Moxley says, “In today’s socioeconomic climate, it’s challenging for these youngsters to get ahead, to get a job, to get an education, and this program makes them more suitable as a candidate for a position in the job field or school because they’re ready for it, getting prepared for it, they have an extra edge.“

Twenty-year-old Julius Elliott knows the hardship well.  He dropped out of school in the 10th grade, but now hopes to make a living as an artist one day. Julius says, “It’s very important that you have a GED or diploma, because you know it’s really tough out here.  I want to keep going in this world.  You want to you know, reach for the stars, and I want to get a better paying job to provide for my family, do good things with my life and you know make my mom proud.“  Eight-teen-year-old Brittany Varnes, a mother of two, dropped out of school in the 10th grade. She says her kids are her greatest source of inspiration.  Brittany says, “I wanted to have a better life for them.  It’s been real rough.  I just moved into my apartment, we don’t have anything inside there except two beds and a t.v.  Sometimes my son goes without diapers for a period of time, it’s just hard.“  Brittany now hopes to step into her new role with her head held high.  She says, “I know I can do it.  This is the first step and I know it’s going to get better.  I’m going to finish the program and find a nice paying job that fits me and my family.“

The “Suiting Day” was made possible by the Charleston County Human Services Commission.  Students will also have a “Make-over Day” in a few weeks followed by a career fair.

Trident Literacy Association helps people year around get G-E-D’S and train for jobs.  The “Success Unlimited” program is funded by a nearly 60-thousand dollar grant from the South Carolina Department of Commerce.