Maria grew up in Willmar and wanted to work in health care but didn’t know now to navigate postsecondary education because she is the first person in her family to go to college. Minnesota Youth Program grantee Central Minnesota Jobs and Training Services (CMJTS) offered Maria the help she needed to follow her dreams.
“I would have not been able to go this far with my education if it wasn’t for CMJTS,” said Maria who plans to work as an occupational therapist in mental health or geriatrics.
Maria earned a certificate as a Nursing Assistant while pursuing her occupational therapy degree and has worked as a travelling nurse during the pandemic. The Minnesota Youth Program focuses on preparing at-risk, low- income youth ages 14 to 24 for success in work and life. Leading CareerForce partner CMJTS serves people looking for work as well as employers in Central Minnesota. Maria is clearly a great example of a young Minnesotan on track for success, thanks to her hard work and dedication and the support she received from CMJTS.
