When Naliyah enrolled at Pickens County Adult Learning Center (PCALC) in March 2024, she was balancing part time work while working hard to overcome academic barriers. She showed up week after week, steadily strengthening her reading and math skills — and in February 2025, she proudly earned her GED.
Her GED instructor recognized her drive early on and referred her to our South Carolina Works Palmetto Youth Connections (PYC) program while she was still completing her studies. Our Eckerd Connects workforce team stepped in immediately — covering her transportation so she could stay focused and surrounding her with the support she needed to persist. Naliyah worked one on one with our Workforce Development Specialist to build her résumé, develop employability and financial skills, and explore entrepreneurial pathways.
Naliyah used everything she learned—and the confidence she gained—to step into a brand new career. In August 2025, she accepted a position as an officer with the Greenville County Detention Center. She’s now advancing her training through the police academy while learning on the job.
Reflecting on her achievements, Naliyah shared, “I had a goal to get my GED so I could do more and help others. Adult Ed is a great place to better your future.”
Today, Naliyah is thriving, building a career she’s proud of, and proving what’s possible when hard work meets the right support. Her future is bright—and we can’t wait to see where her drive takes her next.
