Nehemiah Community Empowerment Center, Inc

e in the U.S. and not enough qualified individuals to fill these jobs. The U.S. is demanding that we, as a society, develop a more qualified workforce to attain these lucrative jobs. During the summer and after school hours, we provide academic enrichment coupled with STEM and robotics education. To date, over 520 youth and teens have attended our robotic exploration program. Our program also provides summer teen employment. This helps keep teen off the streets while keeping them engaged in positive reinforcement. During the pandemic, these services were provided on a virtual platform. We believe early and consistent exposure readily prepares our younger generation for a more promising future. Our STEM Academy’s motto is: “Educating for the 21st Century & Beyond!” This component is geared towards providing the adequate education required to pursue careers in the STEM & I.T. Our most recent initiative is our ‘Phenomenal Women in STEM’ program. This training is for adult women ages 18 & up. To date, over twenty-five women have attended our training. And to ensure that students have the adequate proficiency required to attain certifications, participants will receive math & reading assessments through our community partnership with Reading Connections. Courses include: Keyboarding, Intro to PC Fundamentals, PC Repair & Assembly, A+ Certification and Microsoft Office Suite Certifications. Future certification in Cyber Security is in the works. These trainings will prepare a more equipped and competitive workforce. Our food pantry provides meals for those in need. Did you know that 1 out of 5 children in Guilford County goes hungry every day? We have provided over 12,000 meals for individuals in the Triad. Our motto is that “No One Goes to Bed Hungry”. Through this initiative, we are helping to eradicate and decrease hunger
in our neighborhoods. Our newly formed Apprenticeship Training Program is designed for 16 to 24 year old young adults to receive workforce development skills and hands-on training. Participants can choose from the following career tracks: PC Assembly & Repair
or Lawn Care Maintenance. Participants also will receive classroom instruction and workshops in financial literacy, budgeting, work ethic, resume writing, etc. This past summer, four teens were enrolled in our lawn care component. One
participant will be hired full-time upon turning 18. Our PC apprenticeship component begins September 2020. Currently, we are seeking local area I.T. businesses and corporations with I.T. departments to establish six to twelve-month internships. This is designed so that our apprentices can gain critical hands-on work experience. Implementing this
component will make them more employable once they have acquired their certification. Corporate sponsors are also needed to assist us in acquiring property to implement our STEM Academy. This institution will house all our components for all ages. Our goal is to have on-site daycare so that adult trainees can attend day and evening classes. And yes, even the toddlers will get exposed to STEM. Nehemiah’s efforts are decreasing the educational inequity and social disparities that exist in society by providing programming that empowers the whole family nit. Ultimately, we are creating jobs, diversity, a better prepared workforce and financial stability in underserved communities. We are developing self-sufficient and productive citizens in society. At the Nehemiah Center, we are fulfilling our agency’s motto:
“REBUILDING & RESTORING COMMUNITIES & FAMILIES”