Workforce Development Inc. (WDI) partnered with Somali American Social Service Association (SASSA), a Somali-led nonprofit organization to assist SASSA in offering culturally specific training programs and support services for people in the Rochester Area. The partnership helped build SASSA’s internal capacity and align culturally specific services they have developed with the broader workforce system in Southeast Minnesota, leveraging WDI’s expertise.
The partnership between WDI and SASSA provided training program participants assistance with training and support services, thanks to funding through the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Targeted Career Pathways grant program. Since December 2024 more than 50 job seekers have enrolled in SASSA training programs, 27 of those job seekers went into high-demand training programs like nursing, commercial driver’s license (CDL) and cybersecurity.
Ibtihal first heard about the SASSA training program through her peers while navigating the challenges of her final semester in nursing school. Facing financial strain and needing support to cover her last semester’s tuition as well as assistance with her job search and resume preparation, she reached out for help. This timely support proved crucial in helping her finish strong and prepare for the next steps in her career.
Ibtihal graduated this past May with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Minnesota Rochester. Her journey through nursing school was filled with determination, long hours of study, and a deep passion for health care. Throughout her academic journey, Ibtihal received support through SASSA, which helped cover both her tuition and the cost of the NCLEX exam. That assistance made a meaningful difference, allowing her to fully focus on her education without the added stress of financial strain.
“I don’t know if I could have gotten this far without the support I received,” Ibtihal said. “The funding made a huge difference; it gave me the opportunity to pursue my education without constantly worrying about finances.”
This summer, Ibtihal reached a major milestone by passing the NCLEX exam and officially becoming a Registered Nurse (RN). Ibtihal is currently engaged in a job search to find work as an RN in her area.
SASSA program participant Ibrahim is also pursuing is career dreams in an in-demand field thanks to his hard work and the support he received through the program. For as long as he could remember, Ibrahim had been interested in becoming a truck driver. He admired the independence, stability and opportunity the profession offered. But despite his interest, the cost of CDL training kept that goal out of reach. Like many others looking to build a better future, he found himself stuck between ambition and affordability.
That changed when Ibrahim came across a flyer for the SASSA program. The flyer caught his attention at just the right time. Curious and hopeful, he reached out to learn more. After connecting with the program, he realized this was the opportunity he had been waiting for.
With SASSA’s support, Ibrahim enrolled in the CDL training program at Riverland Community College. SASSA covered the full cost of the course, removing the financial burden that had previously held him back. From there, he focused on completing his training and preparing for the exam. His hard work paid off. He passed the CDL exam and soon after secured full-time employment as a truck driver.
Reflecting on his journey, Ibrahim shared, “This program has allowed me to achieve a goal I’ve had for some time. Without the funding, I wouldn’t have been able to afford the training, and I’m grateful to have started a new career path that was previously out of reach.”
Ibtihal’s and Ibrahim’s successes highlight the vital role organizations like WDI and SASSA, as a trusted community voice, play in helping individuals overcome financial barriers and build sustainable careers.
