The Program for Successful Employment (PSE) reached a milestone when Earlisha Rowe, a first cohort student in the program completed her first full year of successful employment. The achievement was acknowledged by Gov. John Bel Edwards and the Governor’s Office of Disability Affairs, who presented Rowe with a certificate. Rowe, who works as a hanger/sorter at a Goodwill store in Baton Rouge, was the first student in the program to be hired full time.

PSE at BRCC is a four semester vocational training program for adults, ages 18 to 26, with autism and/or other intellectual disabilities. It began in February 2017 with seven students and now has 32 students enrolled.

“The Program for Successful Employment’s combination of classroom-based and on-site training helps our students gain the valuable skills they need to be successful,” said Derrick Wesley, Director of Program for Successful Employment at BRCC. “Earlisha’s success at Goodwill is a shining example of what is possible when an individual is given an opportunity along with the proper support system.”

Rowe’s support system includes her mother, Nora Veals. Veals originally helped Rowe enroll in general studies classes at BRCC, but upon noticing her difficulty with the coursework, she enrolled Rowe in PSE.

“I love the program! She has been at her job for over a year now and PSE has been very supportive and has helped her be successful,” Veals said.

Rowe remains a committed employee at Goodwill.

“Earlisha is very dedicated. She takes two buses to be here every day and to get back home. She does anything she is asked and is a hard worker. She is an asset to the business,” said store manager, Milvia Filgueira.

PSE combines academic and job skills training with externship opportunities in regional businesses. Businesses partners include ARAMARK at Southern University, School Time Uniforms, Our Hope Thrift and Donation Center, UFC Gym, Wild Birds Unlimited (Cajun Wild Birds), Shamrox Clothing Boutique, East Baton Rouge Public Library, Gambino's Bakery, Ink On, Knock Knock Children's Museum, Tiger Deaux-nuts, and Hammond Aire Auto Spa, Chick-fil-A (College Drive), Habitat for Humanity Restore North, C.B. Pennington Jr. Y.M.C.A., Barnes and Noble (Citiplace), Doubletree by Hilton, and Goodwill Industries.