Program Details

Dennis Maldonado Wiley is an In-School Youth Program Participant through the St. Clair County Intergovernmental Grants Department. He is a part-time student majoring in political science at Southwestern Illinois College. Before joining, Dennis had never heard about the WIOA program until one day, by chance at Lowe’s, when an employee's husband was around and happened to bring it up. Dennis’s mouth dropped at all the services and opportunities the program provides youth, and he was highly interested from the beginning.

Soon after enrolling in the program, Dennis began and completed his Paid Work Experience (PWE) at St. Clair County Intergovernmental Grants Department as an Office Assistant for LIHEAP. His supervisor and colleagues would constantly discuss the pleasure of having Dennis in the office. His consistent strong work ethic and positive attitude led to an interview with the St. Clair County Circuit Clerk as his Paid Work Experience was nearing the end. The Circuit Clerk and his staff were impressed with Dennis during the interview and agreed to On-the-Job Training (OJT). Dennis has been working there since January 2024 and has been doing great!

When Dennis and his Career Specialist met for the first time, Dennis had only been in the United States for about a month. He was raised in Bolivia and had lived there most of his life. It was a culture shock both socially and economically. Despite having very little, Dennis got the proper attire for his new job through supportive services. Transportation has been a barrier for Dennis because he and his family share one car. Dennis learned how to take the city bus early on, which is how he gets to work. Dennis also lacked confidence when he came into the program, but throughout his journey and new experiences, Dennis has since bloomed into a confident young man. Dennis is still participating and excelling in his On-the-Job Training at the St. Clair County Courthouse. Although being a college student and working is not easy, Dennis continues to push forward – eased and facilitated by our available resources. Dennis is excited and hopeful about his future. He is eternally grateful to have learned and become part of the WIOA Youth Program.