Lathia Adams grew up in the rural town of Oakman, Alabama. She currently resides in Epes, Alabama with her husband and son.

Adams is a senior at the University of West Alabama (UWA) in Livingston working towards a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She hopes to one day receive her Ph.D. in clinical psychology and explore the effects of generational poverty while providing care to those suffering from mental illnesses.

She has served as a tutor for UWA's Student Support Services TRIO program, which provides mentoring to first-generation college students as well as access to scholarships and tutorial services.

Adams is now the assistant case manager for UWA's Division of Economic and Workforce Development Certified Nursing assistant (CNA) and Automotive Technician programs. Through this opportunity, she hopes to positively affect the lives of young adults by helping to increase their life chances through career openings provided by both programs.

Career Exploration Camp Counselors, pictured front row, l-r: LaPrease Sparks, Scheniquil Hampton, Dre Wigfall and Kyra Capers; back row, l-r: Division of Economic and Workforce Development Vice President Dr. Tina Jones, camp volunteer Linda Delaine and program supervisor Sanquenetta Thompson.

Thirty-nine students from across the Black Belt participated in the University of West Alabama's (UWA) Division of Economic and Workforce Development's 2019 Career Exploration Summer Camp (CESC) for upcoming high school sophomores and juniors. 

"An important part of the program's success is the outstanding leadership and engagement of camp counselors with the students," said program supervisor Sanquenetta Thompson. "Counselors are the cornerstone of any student engagement camp."

Camp counselors become mentors to camp participants during their week-long stay on campus. The counselors lead team building exercises, offer insight to college life and provide assistance in resume development. 

"I became a part of this camp because I wanted to help students find a career path and explore different options that they may have never thought of before," said camp counselor Laprease Sparks.

Insight on current career fields, information on the skills and requirements needed for each career field, and information on job growth for each field is also offered through this program, giving students ideas on ways they can prepare for the future while still in high school.

"Exposing students to career opportunities, while guiding them to the various pathways to get there, is important in helping them and their parents make informed decisions for their future," said Vice President of Economic and Workforce Development Dr. Tina Jones.

Participants were selected from a competitive application process and represented 13 high schools.

The program is sponsored by the Daniel Foundation of Alabama. The CESC program is open to students attending public and private schools located in Choctaw, Greene, Hale, Marengo, Perry, Pickens, Wilcox and Sumter counties. 

  

For more information, contact Sanquenetta Thompson at 205-652-3408 or email [email protected].

Why does the 2020 Census matter to Alabama?

Alabama has much at stake with the 2020 Census. Due to our state's slowed population growth, we are in danger of losing at least one of our seven congressional seats, as well as federal funding that benefits our families, children, and communities. According to the George Washington Institute of Public Policy, Alabama currently receives $1,567 per capita through census-guided programs - this funding affects everyone. Fortunately, by participating in the 2020 Census we can protect our most valuable resources, including hospitals, police and fire departments, schools, and roads and bridges.

The census is essential, which is why we must take matters into our own hands - together, we can control Alabama's future. In 2010, 72 percent of Alabamians completed the census. This will not be enough in 2020, which is why we must ensure our 2020 Census count is complete, accurate, and fair.