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Greg Rodriquez is a family man. He knew he needed more skills in order to support his family in a way he could be proud. Greg came to MCC's CTI program, an accredited 15 month technology program, to get the knowledge he needed to be a computer technology specialist. Greg was an outstanding student for sure. But he so impressed his employer during his externship that he is now a full time computer support specialist with CWT, an imaging and document storage company in center city Philadelphia.

Dimitria Vorters is a brave woman as she was one of the few females in MCC's Strive for Green program. But her enthusiasm combined with an unquenchable desire to learn has given her a start on a great career. Dimitria works for Greensgrow Farm, a nationally recognized pioneer in urban agriculture. Urban farming, growing healthy food locally, is a fast growing sector and Dimitria will develop a skill set that few people have.

Kia Caldwell and Denise White are both MCC success stories. After a 10 week program in Business Technology and greatly improved computer skills, both have receptionist/customer service positions at Philadelphia non-profits. Kia at Girls, Inc and Denise at Painted Bride have added much to both of these Philadelphia institutions. And they both really love what they are doing.

Toyia Brown is on her way to a better life. The Upper Darby resident was the 2010 valedictorian of the Metropolitan Career Center's (MCC) Computer Technology Institute. Her words of hope resonated with the over 200 MCC students who graduated with her to new professional and personal beginnings. In her valedictory address, Brown explained that people have entered her life for: "a reason, a season, and a lifetime." When she asked a highly-skilled colleague where she had learned her skills; the answer was MCC. That was reason enough to enroll. Through the school "season" Brown was inspired by the hard work of other MCC students. Her instructors changed her life, and their influence will last a lifetime, Brown remarked. "I came here because I wanted to make a better life for myself and my son," she said. "Earning this degree has been one of the best decisions I've ever made."

Octavia Roberts finished MCC"s Business Technology program and landed a great job with Cricket Communications. Octavia waits on customers, signs up new accounts and keeps her head about her when they store is jammed! She works in the Chestnut Street store. Octavia was featured in the Philadelphia Business Journal as an individual who found work despite the recession. Getting new skills was the key to this success.

Yvonne Lemon graduated from MCC's Healthcare and CPAT Certification program, a 20 week curriculum training people for healthcare administrative and business functions. Yvonne is now working at Methodist Hospital as a medical records clerk. This is one sector that is clearly growing and Yvonne has before her a clear career pathway. Yvonne relocated to Philadelphia in search of a new life and to get away from a bad one. She found a new life, with a good income and a great future.

Denise White is a single parent with five children. During her coursework at MCC, she experienced health problems, but was determined to finish and graduate. Her goal was to get off public assistance. She did some part time work only five weeks into the program. It was a seasonal job and when that ended, she was back in school full-time. And despite a hospitalization, she recovered, regained her strength, finished at MCC and now works at the Painted Bride. Illness, children, even a hospital stay did not deter this very focused woman.