January 8, 2010

The ASPIRE (Assessing Strengths, Promoting Integrity, Retaining Employment) program at A-B Tech, a partnership between the College, WorkFirst, and the Workforce Investment Act, was recognized as North Carolina’s “Best Practice” presentation at the Employment and Training Administration/Temporary Assistance to Needy Families joint conference in Atlanta Dec. 15-16.

“It was a great acknowledgement of the awesome collaborative work of our staff. Instructors Alma Fisher and Linda Gregory work diligently to keep this partnership active and productive,” said Shelly White, Occupational and Public Service Training executive director.

Students in the ASPIRE program learn the fundamentals of seeking, securing, and keeping a job and overall wellbeing. The students are taught everything from how to set goals and overcome their fears and barriers, to how to cook nutritious, inexpensive meals.

Dr. Barbara Keaton, vice president of Economic and Workforce Development/Continuing Education, praised Fisher, Gregory and Gea Skeens, Human Resources Development coordinator, for their efforts. “Their work has placed A-B Tech and the state of North Carolina in a position to contribute to the knowledge of others interested in the benefits achieved by the ASPIRE program. Most importantly, they have contributed to the positive change in the lives of so many individuals in our community,” she said.