Serving as an Example for Success

 

Iman came to GST Michigan Works! Owosso office in March of 2025. She had been working low-income jobs in the medical field for about four years and was working toward getting her Bachelor of Nursing through Baker College to become a Registered Nurse (RN). She faced some challenges and barriers (personally and as a first-generation college student), but her hard work was paying off as she was approaching completion of her degree in less than a year. However, Iman found she was struggling to finance the remainder of her training due to being low-income and only working a part-time job. 

After coming to the GST Michigan Works! office and completing paperwork needed to determine eligibility for WIOA funding, Iman met with a Career Coach to consider her barriers and need for services. She completed an Individual Employment Plan with her coach, any necessary assessments, and career research assignments as instructed. Iman was approved to receive assistance in funding the last six months of her degree program and enrolled in WIOA funding. She received assistance with her tuition and the cost of her nursing exams required to complete her degree. WIOA was also able to cover the cost of her nursing license, which is necessary for employment as an RN.

Iman completed her bachelor’s degree and nursing exams by December of 2025, and didn’t take long to find a position as an RN. She was hired as a Registered Nurse at Henry Ford Health System in January of 2026, earning more than double her previous income. Iman expressed appreciation for the support and stated, “Becoming a Registered Nurse has given me the opportunity to serve my community while showing other first-generation students that anything is possible.” After working at her new job for a few months, Iman moved to the night shift and received almost a $4.00 per hour raise.