After graduating from high school, Faith went to college but did not enjoy their time. They were ready to head straight into the workforce and had their sights set on working with animals all day. Faith was referred to Bridges From School to Work by their dad. With their help, Faith got one step closer to their goal after getting hired at PetSmart. Faith has now been working there for over a year and is exploring a path to become a Vet Tech!

Avan, a proud Army National Guard veteran, came to the AJC in Maywood wanting to start a new career. She had been working as a temporary employee, not finding any full-time opportunities. She was seeking more stability and opportunity for growth. She explored the CDL industry and enrolled in training at Progressive Truck Driving School. After completing the training, she earned a CDL license within the year and obtained full-time employment as a CDL driver.

Avan is working full-time for US Express, making between 25-35/hr, depending on her mileage. Avan attests that having a coach every step of the way was the most helpful. “My coach was a huge help and stayed connected to make sure I completed all my tasks in a timely manner, and she was straightforward about the entire process. But ultimately it was up to me to get things done. I finished school, got my certificate and found a job I really like with great pay & benefits.”

What would you tell someone considering the program?

“It’s the best thing to help jump-start your career when you feel there is no way to get ahead at no cost to you. WIOA made all the difference. I have a certificate and a Class A license that allows me employment in different areas of transportation. I have a great paying job and I actually feel like this is start of my career path.”

At 16, Kevin joined JumpStart as a Maine East High School sophomore with a clear goal: find a way to support his family. As an English Language Learner who had never held a job before, Kevin worked closely with his career advisor to bridge the gap between his potential and the professional world. Kevin’s journey began with a Paid Work Experience (PWE) in the Food & Nutrition Department at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital. After starting in the dishroom, Kevin quickly learned to prepare meal trays and beverages. He has now come full circle, training new JumpStart students during their own PWE rotations. His performance earned him a permanent position, bumping his hourly wage from $17.00 to $18.75, with additional pay incentives for weekend shifts. He transitioned from a novice seeker of “work readiness” to a reliable team member with specialized kitchen skills. This position has provided Kevin with more than just a paycheck; it has given him a sense of purpose and long-term financial stability. As he wraps up his junior year, Kevin plans to maintain his role at the hospital through the summer and into his senior year. By balancing his education with a blossoming career, Kevin is not just supporting his family—he is building a foundation for his future.

“This opportunity has been great. The first couple of weeks (of the PWE) were hard because of the training and the fast-paced environment. This job has helped me save money and help support my family. Going from a Paid Work Experience to permanent employment is a good feeling because you know you’re doing a fantastic job and they want to hire you. “