Meet Paula

Workforce Challenge

Paula needed surgery in December 2008 because of a rare birth defect that was affecting her ability to function. Upon returning to work from medical leave in March 2009, she learned that the printing company where she was employed would be shutting down due to a loss of sales and downsizing of the company. Sadly, her husband Jeff was being laid off at the same time. With 20 years of service, moving progressively up from the plant floor to Accounting, Paula did not have formal training.

Workforce Solution

Paula enrolled in WIA as a dislocated worker. She needed financial assistance to return to school. WIA funding helped her complete an Associate Degree in Business with an emphasis in Accounting from Dyersburg State Community College. She received services through the Tennessee Career Center in Covington starting in August 2009.

Her husband Jeff chose to attend truck driving school so that he could be trained and go to work immediately. Paula was a good student, joining Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and earning an internship at the Corps of Engineers Finance Center in Millington.

Outcomes & Benefits

Paula graduated Magna Cum Laude in May 2011. Subsequently, she was offered a full-time position with the Corps of Engineers as an Accounting Technician. Paula says, “With my degree, good grades, and work performance I earned a full-time position at the Corp. By continuing my education at DSCC, I will have the opportunity to be promoted within the company. I am very grateful for the financial assistance that the WIA Needs Based Scholarship provided to help me earn my degree."

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