In July 2024, Madison Knierim walked into her nearest Central Region Job Center with a dream and a challenge. She was unemployed at the time, juggling the demands of nursing school at State Fair Community College’s Eldon Career Center, and uncertain how she’d afford to finish. With prior experience as a Patient Care Tech, Madison was ready for the next step—but needed a little help getting there.
Through the EDA Good Jobs Challenge Grant, she received the financial support she needed to stay in school and stay focused. “Nursing school is not easy,” she said. “This program helped me reach my goal of becoming a nurse by providing the financial support I needed.”
But the support didn’t stop with tuition. “They (Job Center Staff) check in with you monthly and are readily available whenever you need them,” Madison shared. She discovered the Job Center staff genuinely cared and were committed to her success.
Madison graduated in December 2024 and, just a few weeks later, stepped into a new role as a Licensed Practical Nurse at the University of Missouri Capital Region Medical Center—earning over $3 more per hour than she had in her previous job.
“This program ensures the success of every individual and provides them with any resource they may need,” she added.
Way to go, Madison! You’re living proof that with determination, support, and the right resources, your dreams are absolutely within reach.
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