Making education a priority in life can be challenging for many. When Chantz enrolled in YOU services, he was already in an alternative school after being disconnected from secondary education. He was deficient in basic math skills, unemployed and had minimal employment history.

This is not an uncommon trope for those enrolled in YOU – barriers do not just affect one aspect of life; they have a way of inhibiting success in many areas.

The staff at YOU encouraged Chantz to make his education a priority and he began taking tutoring assistance. After getting a handle on his education, Chantz completed employability skills training where he was exposed to valuable job search techniques. He was then referred to the Vision for Prosperity Apprenticeship readiness training for the skilled trades field. Life became a positive sequence of falling dominoes for Chantz. First, he graduated from high school, then applied to the apprenticeship program and was accepted. His career pathway was leading him to success whether he knew it or not.

Upon completing the program, Chantz was offered an apprenticeship with the Local 2 Bricklayers. 

YOU presented Chantz with the opportunities available through partnering agencies and as such, he has gone on to be a shining example of how career pathway systems lead to prosperous communities.