Chris enrolled in college following his high school graduation, and – like many young people – perhaps did not value higher education as strongly as he should have. Within a few months of starting his college program, he dropped out.
For the next decade Chris struggled to find his way. He bounced from job to job and simply could not get ahead. After finding himself again unemployed in early 2014, Chris decided to make a change. He learned of the Computer Support Specialist training program offered at the American Indian OIC’s Takoda Institute of Higher Education. Its curriculum aligned with his personal interests and its tuition was fully covered by Pell grants and scholarships – meaning he would graduate free from the burden of student loan debt.
In just nine months, Chris completed the Computer Support Specialist program and obtained multiple industry recognized Information Technology credentials. While at the Takoda Institute, Chris worked with a career counselor to secure employment in his field. His counselor connected him with an internship, helped him develop a dynamic résumé, and advocated to employers on his behalf.
We are happy to report that Chris is now working full-time as an IT service agent with the City of Minneapolis. For the first time in his life he feels like he has a career and not just another job without long-term prospects. Chris wants to grow in his profession and eventually sees himself working in network security. He is appreciative of the American Indian OIC and its Takoda Institute for its career focus and for the consistent and supportive environment he experienced here.