SelmaWorks! Resource Fair Brings Workforce and Community Services to Selma Residents

SelmaWorks! Resource Fair Brings Workforce and
Community Services to Selma Residents
Free event targets residents most in need.


 

April 4, 2022 – The SelmaWorks! Resource Fair will take place at the Richard B. Harrison Gymnasium from 10am-2pm on Friday, April 22. The event is a partnership between Capital Area Workforce Development (CAWD), NCWorks, Johnston Community College and Johnston County Public Schools. The resource fair will feature several organizations that provide services to help individuals in vulnerable communities with upward mobility.

According to Census data Selma has a population of approximately 17,000 and a poverty level estimate of 35%. The percentage of children under age 18 living at the poverty level is approximately 49%. Other indicators of vulnerable communities include lower than average per capita income, higher than average unemployment, low educational attainment, limited transportation, and minimal access to resources.

“If we can increase employment and personal incomes, we can improve conditions in the community. The purpose of SelmaWorks! is to bring resources to the people. It is an opportunity for adults, youth and young adults to learn about job training programs available through NCWorks and NextGen, like scholarships to cover tuition and fees or apprenticeship programs. Taking advantage of all the resources we’re bringing will eventually help them see and devise a pathway to achieving their goals,” said Pat Sturdivant, Executive Director at CAWD.

“When youth participate in career planning activities they connect the dots between school and their future. It gives them a tangible goal and something to work towards. This can increase their engagement in school and motivation for career and college preparation which has been a challenge since the pandemic,“ said Reno Palombit, Director of CTE at Johnston County Public Schools. “Rather than asking 'What do you want to be when you grow up?' consider asking, 'What do you enjoy doing?' or 'What kind of life do you imagine for yourself?' These questions can serve as a springboard for career conversations. We are committed to facilitating these conversations between youth and adults, and SelmaWorks! is a great opportunity to learn how we are doing that in Johnston County Public Schools.”

“We know how important it is to people to begin working in their field of choice as quickly as possible. Johnston Community College offers dozens of programs and certificates that get them up and running in a year or two. Our career and technical education programs are essential to providing training for Johnston County’s fast-growing economy. We are proud to be able to showcase these options at Selma Resource Day,” said Vic McCormick, Assistant Vice President of Workforce Development and Biotechnology at Johnston Community College. 

SelmaWorks! Resource Fair is free and open to the public.

More information is available at selmaworks.eventbrite.com.
 

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About Capital Area Workforce Development
CAWD is a public-private partnership and 501(c)3 funded by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) of 2014. Through collaborations with business, government, education and others, the organization has developed state and nationally recognized workforce programs, connected businesses to workforce resources and the education system, and helped thousands to gain employment through their NCWorks and NextGen Career Centers. For more information visit capitalareancworks.com.

About Johnston County Public Schools
Our district serves more than 37,000 students in grades pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade. Doubling the student population in the past 15 years, Johnston County’s growth is due to the excellent education JCPS provides to our students. We enjoy strong community support through funding for new schools, partnerships with business and faith based organizations, and fabulous parental involvement. Our graduation rate has climbed by more than 13 percent in the past four years, while our dropout rate has fallen by nearly 50 percent in the same period. We are proud of our 214 Nationally Board Certified teachers. Johnston County Public Schools is accredited by AdvancEd, meaning that our graduates are prepared to be accepted into the finest universities and colleges.

About Johnston Community College
Established in 1969, Johnston Community College is a comprehensive community college within the North Carolina System, offering more than 35 academic programs and numerous continuing education programs, services and opportunities.  The College provides programming through its main campus in Smithfield as well as the Arboretum, Rudolph Howell & Son Environmental Learning Center and the Workforce Development Center.  JCC is fully accredited by the Commission of Colleges, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award certificates, diplomas and associate degrees.