Ghislain is married and the father of two children. He came to the U.S. in July 2022, and just three weeks later, he began classes with the goal of becoming a Registered Nurse. Like many New Americans, he faced challenges along the way. Because he is not eligible for Minnesota educational grants, he has had to rely on federal loans to pay for his education while working to support his family. He turned to Leading CareerForce Partner Workforce Development, Inc. (WDI) for assistance and through WDI’s Bridges to Healthcare Program, his tuition for Trained Medical Assistant (TMA) training was fully paid.
With the new credential, Ghislain advanced from Nursing Assistant to TMA, increasing his income so he can better provide for his family. In addition to paying his Fall 2024 tuition, WDI was able to pay for his childcare costs and for repairs to his vehicle so he could reliably get to class, work and clinicals. With less financial stress, Ghislain has been able to focus more on his studies, making the Dean’s List in Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 at Riverland Community College in Austin.
“I’m incredibly grateful to Workforce Development Incorporated and to all the donors who make this work possible," said Ghislain. "Thank you for believing in people like me and for investing in our dreams. I promise to pay it forward in my future as a nurse.”
