The Best Team!
Creation Date: 04/13/2023
Program Details
My name is Jakub Baklazec; I participated in the Youth Career Pathway Program at the Quad County Urban League. Before the Quad County Urban League, I was a 23-year-old who worked two jobs, lived in my own apartment, and paid my own bills. One day at church, I met an incredible woman named Alecia who told me about the Quad County Urban League and how they offer programs to help young minorities, such as myself, get careers in the trades. I wanted to become an electrician through a union apprenticeship, so I was intrigued by this.
A few weeks later, I signed up for the Nicor Career Gas Academy and Youth Career Pathways Program; the rest is history. I was exposed to multiple utility contractors and learned valuable information about gas utilities' operations. I was fortunate to have a great instructor, LaQuentin Jenkins, a phenomenal, educated leader who helped me sharpen my presentation and employability skills. I also had an outstanding mentorship from Manuela Gracia, my case manager for the Youth Career Pathways Program. I enjoyed our in-person meetings after trainings. I received multiple credentials that will help me further my career. I am still pursuing a career in the electrical field, but the Quad County Urban League has immensely helped me prepare for this route. I will forever be grateful for them.