Empowering Potential. Building Careers.

Celebrating Workforce Development Month with Eckerd Connects.

This national Workforce Development Month, Eckerd Connects, a leading national non-profit, celebrates our dedicated team members who empower individuals to find meaningful jobs and thrive in the workplace. With a personalized, human-centered approach, we offer workforce development services in 20 states, supporting youth, adults, and dislocated workers on their unique paths to success.

For 17-year-old Ormani from Louisiana, Eckerd Connects’ Acadiana Workforce Solutions team did more than provide job training—they helped her find her voice and potential.

As a naturally shy teen with no prior work experience, Ormani was uncertain about her future. Through personalized career coaching, she gained confidence and discovered she could excel in the workplace. After an 8-week internship, Ormani’s performance led to a part-time job while she finished high school.

Inspired by her experience, she’s now leading a local initiative to create a youth-led council guiding workforce development programming for her peers.

“The workers helped me overcome my shyness,” Ormani shared. “I used to get terrible anxiety speaking in front of a crowd, but having to present to the board helped me come out of my shell. The biggest benefit of the program was realizing my strengths and learning how to be the best version of myself.”

Eckerd Connects is one of the largest non-profit providers of Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) services in the U.S. We partner with local workforce development boards to create career pathways that meet individuals where they are, offering tailored support to help them achieve their goals. In addition to WIOA services, Eckerd Connects operates or partners to operate 11 Job Corps campuses in nine states, and the U.S. District of Columbia.

Among the services for youth ages 16 to 24 are soft skills training, GED & High School Diploma assistance, internships, and national certifications.

Hailey’s journey is another great example. She started with Eckerd Connects in Georgia to earn her high school equivalency. With her case manager’s support, Hailey quickly earned her diploma and began exploring career opportunities in healthcare.

She secured an internship at Magnolia Manor of Marion County, and her exceptional work led to part-time employment. Motivated, Hailey enrolled in South Georgia Technical College and received WIOA assistance for tuition, uniforms, and transportation. In August 2024, she completed her Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) program.

“The WIOA program has been a huge blessing during my nursing journey,” Hailey said. “Not having to worry about expenses has been a breath of fresh air. I’ll recommend this program to anyone. Thank you for the constant support!”

Our services also extend to adults and dislocated workers, offering career coaching, training services, individual employment plans, and on-the-job training. We meet people where they are and help them identify and achieve their personal and professional goals.

Disean’s story is a testament to resilience. Despite challenges related to his disability, he graduated high school and, with our North Carolina workforce development team, pursued his passion for animals. He was connected with a work experience at A Dog’s Dream, LLC, where his performance earned him a job offer before his internship ended.

“I’ve always loved animals, especially dogs,” Disean said. “The program team made sure I was comfortable in a job I love. I really enjoy working with the people and the dogs. I hope to stay here a long time.”

At Eckerd Connects, we know that behind every statistic is a person with education, career and financial dreams, challenges, and potential. Our programs are designed to meet individuals where they are, offering career coaching support and resources tailored to their specific needs. Whether it’s helping a young person gain confidence, supporting an adult through a career change, or providing critical skills for a dislocated worker, we prioritize every individual’s path to success.

For Ormani, Hailey, and Disean, the impact has been profound. Each of their stories exemplifies our mission—Empowering Potential. Building Careers.

For more information on Eckerd Connects’ Workforce Development Programs, visit: Eckerd.org/Workforce