Michael Carter has been hired as the education navigator for the SNAP 2 Skills Employment and Training program. The program is a partnership between A-B Tech and Buncombe County Health and Human Services designed to assist SNAP (formerly known as food stamps) recipients gain access to opportunities at A-B Tech Community College in occupational skills/workforce courses, curriculum programs of study, job search resources and high school equivalency.
“As education navigator, I facilitate the SNAP 2 Skills employment and training program,” Michael said. “The program works exclusively with clients who are eligible for or are already receiving food assistance from the county and can support clients in gaining access to courses at the college, providing financial assistance to eligible clients, and assisting in supportive services to ensure course completion and job attainment. Clients receive a small stipend for program participation and are required to maintain a food and nutrition case in good standing in order to participate in the SNAP 2 Skills program.”
Currently, Michael has a caseload of 26 clients with 10 more with scheduled intake appointments. “The benefits of this program center on providing an opportunity for clients to attend courses at A-B Tech. Principally, clients benefit from light-touch case management services, a small stipend for course participation, financial assistance for select courses and guidance, and support while navigating the community college experience. Clients also gain access to an invaluable tool to better the lives of themselves and their families, and education,” he said.
Michael is a graduate of Warren Wilson College with a Bachelor's in Social Work and has been working in the nonprofit field for five years. Michael has worked in workforce development and case management with local A-B Tech community partners Goodwill of Northwest North Carolina and Green Opportunities. Before assuming the role of Education Navigator, Michael worked as an adjunct instructor in the HRD program at A-B Tech. Michael is an A-B Tech employee and his office is housed at 40 Coxe Avenue at Buncombe County Health and Human Services.
“I enjoy the ability to connect clients to the resources they need to improve their lives and begin or continue their journey toward quality education, which leads to quality employment and overall higher quality of life,” Michael said. “I think gaining an education is empowering and I look forward every day to being a part of my client's journey toward empowered self-sufficiency. I often tell my clients ‘Jobs may come and go but education is something no one can ever take away from you.’”