For Abbie, earning her education and beginning a career as a dental hygienist represented more than completing a two-year program. It was a journey of growth, persistence and preparation for a new chapter in life.
Throughout that journey, Abbie had the support of Kathy, her Career Services Specialist (CSS) with Forward Service Corporation. Through the Wisconsin Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program, Abbie received financial assistance for her education along with guidance and encouragement that helped her keep moving toward her goals.
Looking back, Abbie says that support made all the difference.
“My experience with WIOA was instrumental in helping me successfully complete my education and prepare for my career. Throughout the entire two-year program, I had the support of my Career Services Specialist (CSS), who was always available to answer questions, provide guidance, and help me navigate challenges as they arose.”
For Abbie, knowing that someone was in her corner helped her remain focused when things became difficult.
“Knowing I had someone in my corner made a huge difference during difficult times and helped me stay motivated to reach my goals.”
More Than Financial Assistance
While financial support was an important part of Abbie’s WIOA experience, she quickly discovered that the program offered much more than help paying for school.
Regular conversations with Kathy helped Abbie develop skills she could carry with her long after graduation.
“Through regular meetings with Kathy, my CSS, I learned valuable life skills related to budgeting, financial responsibility, goal setting, and personal development. These conversations helped me grow not only as a student but also as an individual preparing to enter the workforce.”
Those lessons became an important part of Abbie’s preparation for life after school. WIOA helped her address the practical challenges of completing her education while also giving her tools to become more confident and independent.
Removing Barriers to Education
Abbie had to make a significant investment in her education to pursue a career in dental hygiene. WIOA helped make that investment more manageable by assisting with the costs associated with completing her training.
“The financial support provided by WIOA helped relieve the burden of tuition, fees, books, and other educational expenses. Without that assistance, balancing school and finances would have been much more stressful.”
With fewer financial pressures competing for her attention, Abbie could concentrate on what mattered most: “Having that support allowed me to focus on my coursework, complete my training, and work toward my long-term career goals.”
Encouragement Through Every Challenge
Education and career preparation don’t always happen without obstacles. For Abbie, having a dedicated CSS meant she didn’t have to face those challenges alone.
“My CSS continually encouraged me, celebrated my successes, and helped me work through obstacles that could have derailed my progress.”
Whether she needed help with school, career planning or simply needed someone to talk through a challenge with, Abbie knew she had support.
That encouragement helped Abbie reach the finish line. Shortly before graduating, she and her boyfriend purchased a home and relocated closer to Green Bay. She also moved out of her parents’ home and into a new chapter of independence.
Today, Abbie is working as a dental hygienist in the field she worked so hard to enter. She is financially stable, enjoying life, and looking forward to seeing where her career and future take her.
A Confident Start to a New Future
For Abbie, the transition from student to professional came with something else WIOA helped her build along the way.
“As I entered the workforce, I felt confident, prepared, and excited about my future. The guidance, encouragement, resources, and financial support provided through WIOA were critical to my success.”
Abbie’s experience highlights the impact of combining education with the right support system. For individuals who are considering going back to school, completing career training or pursuing education for a new career, FSC’s WIOA program may be able to help reduce barriers and provide the guidance needed to keep moving forward.
Abbie is grateful for the opportunities she received. Now, as a dental hygienist with a home, financial stability and a future full of possibilities, she can look ahead and enjoy the life she worked so hard to build. “I am grateful for the opportunities the program provided and for the positive impact my CSS had on my educational and career journey.”
