Working Towards a Dream
Port Huron Career Center
Submitted by Merissa Pacholek
Nicole began working with Macomb/St. Clair Michigan Works! in 2011 while enrolled in the Youth Program. She expressed interest in the medical field and was able to complete a Certified Nursing Assistant and a Medical Assistant training program. These occupational certificates lead her to working as a Unit Secretary at Troy Beaumont Hospital making $17.14 an hour. Nicole wanted to further her career goal of becoming a Registered Nurse. The process of reaching her goal was becoming financially taxing until she became aware of tuition assistance through Michigan Works!
In March 2022, Nicole was determined eligible for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), Michigan Learning and Education Advancement Program (MiLEAP), and Barrier Removal Employment Success (BRES) funding.
Nicole began classes for the Licensed Practical Nursing program at St. Clair County Community College in May of 2022. Her tuition was mostly covered by WIOA Adult and MiLEAP training funds leaving her a smaller out of pocket amount to pay. BRES offered additional funds for supportive services such as the cost of the NCLEX prep course and exam fee.
Nicole successfully completed the LPN training program and received her nursing license from the State of Michigan in January 2023. She was hired by Martha T. Berry earning $35 an hour as an LPN. Nicole plans to continue her education and has already been accepted to the Registered Nurse program.
