While working as a cashier at Walmart, Akira Stokley reached out to NCWorks to help her get on track to achieve her dream of becoming a nurse. Being a single mother, Akira worked long hours and had difficulty financially with transportation and child care services.

After only one month of enrolling in the NextGen program, Akira successfully completed all of the required workshops to enroll in CNA training. She continued to complete the Nurse Aide 1 course through GTCC in just a few months. Unfortunately, Akira failed to pass the required board exams. However, the NextGen team provided her with financial assistance to retake the exams. This assistance allowed her to focus on the knowledge and skills to better prepare for her exams. Akira successfully passed all of her board exams and obtained her certification in nursing.

Through various partner opportunities, NextGen staff was able to find Akira a position with North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University’s Student Health Center with starting pay of $20 an hour.

Akira thoroughly enjoys her career and says:

“After I was certified as a CNA, I found a job that helped me get my first car and move into my first apartment. With the help of NCWorks, I am so grateful because I probably would not be where I am today.”