Four women showed what could be accomplished when they worked hard and had resources at their disposal to help them find success. These four women were the guests of honor at a recent graduation ceremony celebrating the first completers of the Modern Manufacturing for Working Women program at Snead State Community College.
Snead State Community College recently received a $50,000 grant from the Women’s Foundation of Alabama to serve women within the Marshall County and surrounding area. The grant funded scholarships for career skills training for women who met the eligibility requirements.
Myleen Trevino of Arab, Judy Thacker of Albertville, Haley Barnard of Guntersville, and Tasha Smith of Guntersville were the first women to receive scholarships through the Women’s Foundation program and complete their career skills training.
“They’ve all worked really hard,” said Snead State Director of Workforce Development Teresa Walker. “These ladies received interviews and job offers, even prior to graduation. I knew if they studied and completed the training, they would be successful with finding employment. The Women’s Foundation of Alabama has been so gracious to give us this grant to help women in our community. We plan to stay in touch with the students and continue to hear about their successes.”
By participating in the Women’s Foundation program, the students earned credentials needed in the manufacturing industry, such as Certified Production Technician, NC3 Precision Measurement, National Career Readiness and Alabama Certified Worker. They had access to career coaching services, and childcare and transportation assistance was available to them as needed to eliminate barriers to achieving their credentials. Also, as part of the program, the students toured two local industries to see first-hand the careers available to them once they complete their skills training.
“There are so many job opportunities right now with manufacturing careers, and there are lots of opportunities for advancement. They won’t have a problem growing their careers,” said Mrs. Walker.
Snead State’s First Lady Mrs. Janet Whitmore, wife of President Dr. Joe Whitmore, shared her well-wishes and congratulations to the graduates on their achievements.
“On behalf of Dr. Whitmore and myself, we want to tell you congratulations. As I thought about this celebration today, I had a random memory of a coffee mug that sat in my office for probably two years. It was there as a reminder to me. It said, ‘She believed she could, so she did.’ Ladies, you did it. You have made a huge accomplishment…. Many times, it’s hard for us as women to dig deep within ourselves and find that courage. Sometimes we have to encourage ourselves in order to be able to do things. You believed in yourself, and that’s why you succeeded. Always know that Snead State is behind you, believing in you and knowing that you will be successful.”
Celebrating with the graduates were their family and friends as well as individuals working directly with the program — Career Coach Dawn McCarver, Instructor Emmett Powell, and Snead State Workforce Development Specialist Cherri Barnard.
For more information or to apply for the Career Scholarships, contact Snead State’s Workforce Development office at (256) 840-4152 or cherri.barnard@snead.edu.