Financial Literacy in Action: Jaziah’s Journey from Job Corps to Navy Federal Credit Union
In celebration of National Financial Literacy Month – April 2025, Eckerd Connects is proud to spotlight a powerful story of career and life readiness that brings financial literacy to life.
Meet Jaziah Archie, a graduate of Potomac Job Corps, who is now applying the skills he gained through Job Corps—and the foundation of financial literacy he developed along the way—as an apprentice at Navy Federal Credit Union. His journey represents how Eckerd Connects prepares youth not just for jobs, but for the real world.
From Electrical Trade to Financial Empowerment
When 21-year-old Jaziah enrolled at Potomac Job Corps in May 2024, he wasn’t just searching for a career—he was seeking direction. Through hard work and dedication, he immersed himself in the electrical trade, took on leadership roles in the Student Government Association, and leaned into the financial and life skills programming that Job Corps embeds into every step of the student experience.
“Trade life was more than I expected,” Jaziah said during his keynote address at the National Job Corps Association’s 2025 Spring Conference. “It wasn’t just about wiring or voltage—it was about learning responsibility, leadership, and how to manage your life—including your money.”
Eckerd Connects ensures that all participants—whether in Job Corps, workforce development, or child and family services—receive a strong foundation in financial literacy, including budgeting, banking, saving, and setting goals for long-term financial stability.
A Full-Circle Moment at Navy Federal
Today, Jaziah is applying those very lessons in real time as an apprentice at Navy Federal Credit Union, where he is working alongside experienced professionals to support internal systems—many of which align with what he studied in his electrical trade
“I’m learning how to troubleshoot and maintain systems we practiced on in class,” Jaziah said. “It’s a perfect blend of technical training and professional growth. Plus, I get to build my financial future and savings—with Navy Federal.”
This new chapter is especially meaningful for Jaziah—his mother, Marquita, has been a proud Member Service Representative III and Tier 1 Assist Line Specialist at Navy Federal for the past seven years.
“To see Jaziah walk through the same doors where I’ve worked for years, not as my son—but as a professional in his own right—is an incredible feeling,” said Marquita. “He’s grown so much in confidence and direction, and I truly believe Job Corps and Eckerd Connects helped unlock that in him. I couldn’t be more proud.”
What began as a search for a trade has grown into a career pathway that now connects mother and son—not just by name, but by purpose and place. It’s a full-circle moment neither of them could have imagined a year ago.
Financial Literacy through Strategic Partnering
The opportunity came to life through a strategic partnership between Potomac Job Corps and Navy Federal, led by Holly Kortright, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Navy Federal—and an Eckerd Connects Board Member.
“At Navy Federal, we’re not just hiring talent—we’re investing in potential,” Holly shared. “Jaziah is a shining example of what happens when young people are given the tools to grow—both in their careers and in how they manage their lives and finances.”
Her leadership helped form a bridge between a young man with a dream and an employer looking to invest in the next generation of workers—aligned with the very spirit of National Financial Literacy Month.
Financial Literacy Across Every Eckerd Connects Program
Financial literacy is not a one-time lesson at Eckerd Connects—it’s an integrated thread that runs through all service lines. From Job Corps to workforce development and community-based programs, participants receive individualized coaching that includes setting financial goals, understanding paychecks, and building habits that lead to long-term stability.
In our Child and Family Services programs, Eckerd Connects has partnered with Doral Federal Credit Union to launch Gen-You Youth Workshops in South Florida—workshops specifically designed to empower teens with foundational money management skills.
“Our goal is to help youth understand not just how to earn a paycheck—but how to use it wisely,” said Paula Ramirez, Career Coach with Eckerd Connects’ Project Bridge program in Miami. “Through our partnership with Doral Federal Credit Union, we’re able to break financial literacy down into relatable and practical lessons. Whether it’s budgeting, saving, investing, or managing debt, financial literacy empowers young people to make informed decisions, reduce stress, and work toward their goals with confidence.”
Shamariona, a Project Bridge participant said, “The Gen-You Youth Workshop really opened my eyes to how important financial literacy is. I learned how to budget, save, and make smarter money decisions. Now I feel more confident about my future.”
Ramirez added, “During the workshop, we guided participants through key aspects, including opening a bank account, building credit, creating a budget, and preparing for emergencies. By understanding the importance of financial well-being, they can avoid common money mistakes and protect themselves from scams and fraud. It’s about building a foundation for lifelong financial success.”
“Financial literacy is the foundation that helps our participants take full advantage of the career paths we help them pursue,” said Rich Semancik, Chief Operating Officer at Eckerd Connects. “Jaziah’s story reminds us that earning a job is only part of the journey. Thriving in that role—and building a life of independence—requires financial knowledge, self-discipline, and support.”
Looking Ahead: Celebrating Financial Literacy Month with Purpose
Now set to start his full-time position at Navy Federal Credit Union in May, Jaziah will continue to apply what he learned at Job Corps—in the workplace, in his bank account, and in how he approaches his future.
To help ensure a smooth transition into his new career, Jaziah was awarded an Eckerd Connects’ Success Award—a financial support grant that assists youth as they move from training into the workforce. The award is helping Jaziah cover essential expenses, including transportation, food, and a deposit on his first apartment.
“The Success Award came at the perfect time,” Jaziah shared. “It’s helping me get on my feet and focus on my job without worrying about the basics. I’m grateful for everyone who believed in me.”
Jaziah continued to say, “Opportunities are spontaneous. But Job Corps is a hotspot for them. If you’re anything like me, let the program lead you to success.”
As we celebrate National Financial Literacy Month, Eckerd Connects remains committed to building not only careers, but also the financial stability that makes those careers sustainable. Whether it’s through a Job Corps training program, a youth workshop, or a workforce placement, we help participants take control of their financial futures—because every dollar earned should lead to something greater.