Are You Interested in Attending the Wage Progression Tuition Assistance Program?

By Linda Kraus-Perez Worker Retraining/WorkFirst Coordinator, Spokane Falls Community College

Stacy B. is a single mom raising one child on her own. She is also a participant in the Washington State WorkFirst program. Stacy began working part-time last spring for a roofing company in Spokane. She started at an entry-level wage. Her office and computer skills were minimal. Because she is a low-income working parent, Stacy was eligible to participate in the Wage Progression Tuition Assistance program at Spokane Falls Community College.

This program has paid for her tuition, books and child care, while she is working on her Microsoft Certification.

With two quarters of training, Stacy’s typing speed has doubled. She is proficient on Microsoft Word. Her boss has praised her improved phone and computer skills, she has gotten a small raise, and her position may extend to more hours. Stacy says, “Without this program, I would never have been able to go back to school and learn computer skills”.

When Stacy started her position she says, “All I knew about roofs was that they were either shingles or shakes. I’ve learned so much more in such a short time”. She has learned office management skills, invoicing, job costing, accounts payable, contracts, competency on the internet, and more. The job training on campus compliments the on-the-job experience in the office. Stacy says, “Everyone should take advantage of this program.” Now she is able to focus on a long-term goal for herself and her family. She wants to set a good example for her son to stay in school and get a good education.

Recently the office manager at Stacy’s job presented her with a personal award for implementing changes at work that made the office more efficient. Stacy has maintained a 4.0 GPA while balancing work, school and family. Everyone at the Community Colleges of Spokane is very proud of you Stacy!

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