Fayetteville Today

Young adults who are soon to age out of the foster care system and individuals who were formerly incarcerated for non-violent offenses are eligible to receive job training at Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC). 

"Quality jobs provide hope, opportunity and dignity," Golden LEAF President and Chief Executive Officer Scott T. Hamilton said in a release from the school on June 18.

The Golden LEAF Foundation, a nonprofit that helps support workforce development in North Carolina, donated $296,535 to FTCC to create a 15-week course, the college said in June. Throughout the course, students will receive counseling and training in practical trades such as electrical, HVAC, plumbing and carpentry. 

"These funds will support short-term training programs for those facing a barrier to employment to fill high-demand jobs in and around Cumberland County," Hamilton said in the release. 

The program has two years of support from its benefactor and FTCC is also working in collaboration with local employers, nonprofits and agencies to help support participants and find them work after they have completed the program.

"People who have been convicted of felonies and incarcerated find it terribly hard to find employment and housing after serving their time," founder of the nonprofit Life is Worth Living-Project Fresh Start Inc. Charles Evans said in the release. "By helping them become productive members of the community, all of society benefits."