Esther Gomez related that in the fourth grade, she was placed in a class with all Spanish speaking children. She said that this was the beginning of her troubled educational experience- Esther did not speak Spanish, and her mother was not in a position to intervene on her behalf.

Esther Gomez entered the ACYR Adult education class in March 05. She had a strong determination to succeed, a vital attribute for a 17 year old woman with no work history and a low educational level. Esther was a typical basic education student who never attended high school; her reading was assessed at a 4.5 grade level, math at 6.4, and language at 5.8.

Esther steadily increased her classroom attendance, from 30 to 40 hours per month in 2005 to an average of 63 hours per month for all of 2006. She worked diligently on pre-GED texts and Skillstutor on the computer, practicing her language skills in daily letters to her long time boyfriend, who was incarcerated. She formed strong bonds with both staff and fellow students.

Esther joined the ACYR Workforce Investment ACT (WIA) Program in April, 2005. She took work readiness classes, where she developed a resume and interview skills. A few months after joining the WIA program, she found a part time job at Harkins Theater. She also worked in the ACYR summer youth work experience program in the summer of 2006, demonstrating outstanding attendance and job performance.

In the spring of 2006, Esther wrote: “I know that if I don’t go to college, I won’t be able to make as much money. The job I’m in only pays $5.90 an hour. In about two more years of schooling, I know I’ll be making $9-$10.”

The later part of 2006 was eventful for Esther. She passed the GED exam, with a 73 percentile ranking in language arts writing in July and the same month was promoted to manager at Harkins. She bought her own car, and in November, Esther married her boyfriend.

The fourth ACYR program that Esther joined was the Maricopa Youth Alliance, which assists youthful offenders with education and employment. This program, through guidance and financial assistance, helped Esther realize her dream of being the first in her family to attend college. She is currently enrolled at Glendale Community College in a college reading course, and making $9 an hour managing other young employees at Harkins.

Her counselor, Michelle wrote “It is always so gratifying to see so many ACYR staff involved in assisting a young person’s success. Hats off to Angelica, Rebeka and Sharon for being competent, caring, involved individuals. It’s been a pleasure to work with such a motivated, strong, focused young woman”.

Submitted by Maureen Hoyt, ACYR