At Communities In Schools of North Carolina, we are not just preparing students for graduation but for their next chapter. Whether they are enrolling in higher education, entering the workforce, or enlisting in the military, CIS inspires students to develop a plan for a successful future.
CISNC’s Jobs for North Carolina’s Graduates (JNCG) program has played a transformative role in the life of Zorian, a graduating senior at Rocky Mount High School. Through hands-on experiences, career readiness training, and mentorship, Zorian has developed professional and personal skills that will help him succeed beyond high school. “This program has helped me learn how to present myself, how to be more professional, and how to act in a business setting,” he shared. Beyond building confidence, the program has prepared him to communicate effectively, navigate workplace expectations, and carry himself professionally.
JNCG also taught Zorian how to write a strong resume, how to identify jobs that align with his interests, and how to fill out a job application and apply. “Finding a Job that aligns with your goals is about more than just pay; my specialist taught us about health benefits, leave time, and retirement accounts, and how to compare the benefits when selecting a job.”
The leadership skills Zorian learned through his JNCG classes have motivated him to become a leader in his class, guiding his classmates through group projects and serving as an example to others. Zorian says the skill that has helped him the most in his day-to-day life is time management, as it has taught him how to balance school responsibilities, personal commitments, and future goals more effectively. By learning how to prioritize tasks and stay organized, he has become more dependable.
After graduation, Zorian plans to enlist in the Navy, where he wants to learn underwater welding, a field with high demand and high earning potential. He says he is undaunted by the job’s difficulties and has already researched them thoroughly. “You have to worry about the tides and currents and about sea storms, know when it is safe to go under, and how long you can safely be under. It’s an exciting career path.”
As Zorian prepares to walk across the stage for graduation, his heart is filled with gratitude to CIS, his Specialist Ms. Wade, and all who have helped him reach this point. “CISNC helped me stay engaged and lifted me up. I am so thankful for all their support.”