Workforce Challenge 

Sharon Jackson enrolled in Youth Opportunity (YO! Baltimore) in October 2005, shortly after dropping out of high school from City College. She reported that she purposely neglected her studies and her school grades suffered. 

Workforce Solution

Upon the recommendation of her guidance counselor, Sharon enrolled at the YO! Baltimore Westside Center so that an alternative learning setting might be a better fi t for her to continue her academic pursuits. Sharon took full advantage of YO! Baltimore’s many approaches to helping youth get back on the right track, including academic support, job readiness and skills training, employment internships, personal counseling, and mentoring support. Through these interventions, Sharon gained insight into the true value of learning and personal responsibility. She enthusiastically participated in GED classes and, with the support of her YO! advocate and instructor, she quickly became an eager student. 

Outcomes & Benefits

Through YO!, Sharon also participated in the Maryland Skills USA competition and won a Gold Award in extemporaneous speech in the statewide competition in Ocean City. She then competed in the Skills USA Nationals in Kansas City and won a Bronze Award. Earning her GED in January 2006, Sharon continued to receive YO! Baltimore services through January 2007. She was placed in an internship at the Baltimore City Council President’s Office at City Hall that would prove most beneficial. The internship not only improved her work skills and experience, but it also provided a stipend and the opportunity to work in a professional setting. Her performance was so outstanding that she was offered a full-time position as an office assistant in the Constituent Services Offi ce where she has worked for the past fi ve years and is earning more than $32,000 annually with a full benefi t package. Sharon recently assisted with the compilation of a procedures manual to support all staff members in providing consistent information about city services. Her supervisor sees leadership potential in Sharon and hopes to enroll her in a supervisory training program.

In addition to continuing her job with Baltimore City, Sharon earned college credits at Baltimore City Community College and has applied to the College of Notre Dame’s accelerated weekend program in business administration.