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YouthTech Makes a Difference
June 11 2009
Ray was 19 when he began showing up at YouthCare’s Orion Center for meals, showers, and clothing. Ray was homeless and unemployed after dropping out of school. He received case management services and showed great enthusiasm for taking part in OSC activities. His eagerness and motivation earned him a spot in the July 2008 YouthTech program, but he struggled with attendance due to his lack of housing. After meetings with staff, instructors, and his case manager, Ray applied for and got into one of YouthCare’s housing programs. He also enrolled in GED tutoring.
Throughout this process, Ray repeatedly said the YouthTech program motivated him to get housing. Ray successfully completed YouthTech on October 23rd, 2008 and earned 12 college credits through Shoreline Community College. In November 2008, he earned his GED.
Ray is presently employed at the Seattle Conservation Corps computer lab and is working with one of the Orion Center’s career coordinators on enrolling in a post-secondary program in Network Administration at South Seattle Community College.
