Fox Valley Technical College’s Adult Basic Education (ABE) program has spent the year piloting a new initiative in which 16 ABE students received enhanced mentorship from instructors and staff members to embark on a faster pathway to success in gaining employability skills through the Removing Barriers program. 

The students were referred through the ABE program by instructors who believed these learners could use a little guidance when it comes to addressing barriers to education and employment. Some of these “everyday” barriers that the grant has addressed include not having enough fuel to get to class, childcare emergency issues, dental care, access to learning technologies and equipment, and more. 

As a result of the experience, these students also gained added confidence, enrolled in classes toward a program or other career-related opportunity, and some even landed jobs. One student, Mike, was even the first to land a career out of FVTC’s new Transport Trailer Service Technician program before he even finished all the classes, which he is still doing while juggling a new work schedule. 

Students also got to pick out new job search clothes at Kohl's department store, which providing students with personal shoppers to help them dress for success for either their first day on a new job or for an upcoming interview.