Hartford, CT – Capital Workforce Partners (CWP) hosted a WIOA Youth Graduation Celebration on February 19, 2025, honoring the achievements of young adults who have successfully reengaged in education and workforce training through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Youth Program, from all across the North Central Region. These graduates, once disconnected from work and education, have now earned sector-based credentials, positioning them for long-term career success. This program is offered all across Connecticut.
The event recognized the resilience and dedication of the graduates and the community organizations that supported them, including Our Piece of the Pie (OPP), Forge City Works (FCW), Hartford Public Library (HPL), Opportunities Industrial Council (OIC), Human Resources Association (HRA), and EDSI Solutions.
Empowering Youth for a Brighter Future
Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam addressed the graduates, emphasizing their critical role in the city’s future:
“The most important people in this big, fancy, beautiful room are all of you up front. By going out and getting these certifications, these trainings… it shows a commitment to the future of this city and this community, and a commitment and belief in yourself. All of us are here because we believe in you too. We believe in your potential and your dreams.”
Alongside remarks from officials, graduates also took the stage to share their experiences. Each participating organization selected a student to speak on how the program shaped their journey. Alyssa Ocasio, a 2022 HRA alumna, reflected on the program’s transformative impact and their experiences post-certification.
“It has not only been a privilege to be part of this program, but it also is a transformative experience that has changed the trajectory of my personal and professional development. I found myself surrounded by a diverse group of passionate individuals, administrators, mentors, and fellow participants, each contributing unique perspectives and talents.”
The celebration also featured key community leaders and officials who have been instrumental in supporting youth workforce development:
- James “Jimmy” Sánchez, Connecticut State Representative
- Thea Montañez, Policy Director, Governor’s Office
- Eddie Cajigas, Manager of Community Advocacy, Connecticut Department of Labor
- Hector Rivera, President & CEO, Our Piece of the Pie (OPP)
- Paulette Fox, Executive Director, Opportunities Industrial Council (OIC)
- Bridget E. Quinn, President & CEO, Hartford Public Library (HPL)
- Ben Dubow, Executive Director, Forge City Works (FCW)
- Leticia Mangual, Director of Employment and Training Services, Human Resources Association (HRA)
“I’m just so proud that we have all of these organizations and workforce partners who made it possible for you, but mostly you made it possible by choosing this path.” – James Sanchez, CT State Rep.
“I want to congratulate you all on your graduation, you have so much to be proud of. You’ve given us, as a city, 120 more reasons to be proud.” – Thea Montañez, Policy Director, Governor’s Office
A Commitment to Workforce Development
The WIOA Youth Program provides essential job training, educational re-engagement, and support services to disconnected youth. Alex Johnson, President & CEO of Capital Workforce Partners, reinforced the importance of this initiative:
“CWP is committed to ensuring young people have access to the opportunities they need to succeed while also helping employers fill critical in-demand jobs. With over 7,000 job openings in the state and more than 100,000 young people in need of these services, we are dedicated to building pathways for their success and strengthening the future workforce.”
The Ongoing Need for Youth Investment
A few months prior, Hartford advocates underscored the urgency for expanded investments in youth workforce programs, citing CT Conference of Municipalities’ 119K Commission report revealing that nearly 119,000 young people in Connecticut are disconnected from education and employment. The Young People First Report further outlines 22 key recommendations to enhance youth success through community partnerships, strategic investments, and capacity building.
The WIOA Youth Graduation Celebration is a powerful testament to the impact of these efforts, highlighting the determination of young adults and the unwavering support of organizations committed to their success.