Tara Williams pursued degree after layoff

For a young, single mother, a job layoff two years ago turned out to be the thing to inspire her to further education. Tara Williams graduates Friday with a 4.0 from Tri-County Technical College. Just as important to her, however, are the independence and financial stability that she has also acquired. Williams took advantage of her status as a dislocated worker and went back to school thru federal funding from the WIA (Workforce Investment Act) and the Trade Act. Both pay funds for tuition, books and supplies, along with a weekly gas stipend. She also benefited from classes with Ripple of One in Oconee County and obtained an internship with the Foothills YMCA.