Community Success Story: Kayla Cothern

By the time Kayla Cothern graduated from Haywood Community College in May, 2021, she was all set to put her Associate of Science degree in Nursing to work: she’d already accepted a full-time nursing position with a local employer.

Here’s what Kayla said about her experience with the Federal program, WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act), and the Finish Line Grant, through the North Carolina Department of Commerce.

“As a single mother of two little girls, I doubted time and time again that I could possibly make it through nursing school on my own. There were many trials and errors along the way, with finances being one of the major struggles.”

“I was not aware of WIOA and the Finish Line Grant until my third semester. However, although I was well into my nursing school experience, WIOA helped me more than I can ever say or repay. Not only did WIOA help me pay for my schooling, but also reimbursed me for gas used to and from training.”

“The Finish Line Grant helped me pay my rent and utilities. These two services alleviate some of the stress for struggling students so that they can get through school and continue on to a successful career. Again, I cannot thank enough the people who have helped me along the way. A huge thanks to Maggie (Leftwich, case manager, NCWorks Career Center, Haywood County) for all that she has done to help me though.”