Spotlight on Success: Madie, WIOA Adult
Workforce Challenge
Madie came to Workforce Solutions Deep East Texas seeking financial assistance to enroll in the Vocational Nursing Program at Tyler County Hospital School of Vocational Nursing. At the time, she was new to Workforce Solutions and unfamiliar with the range of services and support available to her. Madie was 22 years old, single, and employed as a waitress at a local restaurant where she had been working since April 2021. Her average monthly income was not enough to cover rent in Angelina County. Although she earned good tips, her income was inconsistent and insufficient to support her long-term career goals or cover the cost of vocational training.
Madie had already been accepted into the Vocational Nursing program, but without financial assistance, pursuing her education seemed out of reach. Determined to build a stable future and fulfill her goal of becoming a nurse, she turned to Workforce Solutions for guidance and support, hopeful that there was a pathway that would allow her to begin her nursing career.
Workforce Solution
After reviewing Madie’s income, work experience, and skills, she was determined eligible for the WIOA Adult program. She completed the required process to receive an Initial Individual Training Account to cover the majority of the amount needed for the total training cost for her requested program.
Madie worked diligently to save the portion not covered by WIOA, and she was able to pay the remaining balance that was just under $1,000 owed to her new school. She was also offered potential Support Services to assist her while attending classes and maintaining satisfactory progress in the program.
Result
Madie’s Individual Training Account (ITA) was approved for the majority of her balance owed, and she officially began the Vocational Nursing program in January 2025. She was extremely excited, but nervous at the same time, to be able to start working toward her career goals. Throughout the program, Madie consistently submitted her required attendance records and maintained passing grades to ensure compliance with all program requirements. There were times when she was unsure if she would pass; however, she utilized all available resources, including tutoring and counseling, to help ensure her success.
She also took advantage of Support Services to assist with transportation costs for travel to and from classes and clinical assignments. Madie continued to work part time at her restaurant job as much as possible for additional income, but balancing work with full-time coursework proved challenging. Despite these challenges, she remained determined and committed to completing the program.
Madie has now successfully completed the Vocational Nursing program and has taken and passed the NCLEX for licensure. She is currently employed full time as a Licensed Vocational Nurse with a local retirement community, earning more than double per hour than what she was making before. Madie plans to continue her education and work toward achieving her goal of becoming a Registered Nurse.
Congratulations, Madie! We wish you continued success in your career!
Information provided by WIOA case manager, Tesa Cook.
TOPICS: Success Stories
