Education & Workforce Development

About HIGHTS’ Education & Workforce Development

HIGHTS’ Workforce Development and Education Programs provide career exploration, job training, apprenticeships, paid work experiences, and assistance for completing high school, secondary education, and credentials.

Our programs empower youth to overcome barriers to their educational or vocational goals by providing financial assistance for fees, necessary school and work supplies, transportation, childcare, and more.

Our programs partner with Jackson, Macon, Swain, Haywood, Graham, Clay, and Cherokee County Public Schools, the Southwestern Commission, NC Works Centers, and local community colleges to help participants achieve their educational and career goals.

Committed to Helping Youth Overcome Barriers

We serve opportunity youth and give them not only opportunities to learn and grow, but also assistance in decreasing barriers so that our participants can achieve their education and work goals.

During the 2022-2023 School Year

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Served 182 Young Adults

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52 Participants Pursuing Post Secondary or Credentialing Programs

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56 Work Experiences Completed with Local Employers

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23 Graduated with HSE/AHS Degrees

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During the 2022-2023 School Year - Served 182 Young Adults - 52 Participants Pursuing Post Secondary or Credentialing Programs - 56 Work Experiences Completed with Local Employers - 23 Graduated with HSE/AHS Degrees -

Programs

  • HIGHTS WIOA Program serves youth 16-24 years of age. Offers services to support young adults in achieving their high school equivalency diploma. Provides post-Secondary transition assistance to earn credentials. Offers paid work-based learning and employability skills training. Since 2019, supported 90 Opportunity Youth in achieving their high school diploma

  • HIGHTS offers young adults aged 16-24 paid work experiences and support to earn industry and college credentials. Our goal is to increase access to opportunities in post-secondary education and employment. HIGHTS Workforce Preparedness project offers paid work experiences in the following high demand industries: HealthCare, Automotive, Construction, and Technology.

  • Summer youth interns will gain valuable work experience, discover possible career pathways, and learn topics such as financial literacy, civic engagement, workforce soft skills, and leadership. This includes Career Mentorships from local employers and organizations.