NMC to start NAP program
Some 100 recipients of the Nutritional Assistance Program will enroll in work-skills courses at the Northern Marianas College starting in January.
The program aims to promote rewards from employment instead of seeking aid from welfare agencies.
Covered under the Work Responsibility Act of the U.S. Government, NMC and NAP officials came together in mapping out programs to prepare this group for the job market.
This program will include regular college courses, particularly those offered by the Vocational Department, and the Adult School for those who missed to complete their secondary education, according to Dr. John Angello, director of the Continuing and Technical Education.
“But we will also encourage them to go next door to our professional programs,” he said.
Although both agencies previously started informal talks about this program, implementation has been stalled.
“The federal government, I think, has encouraged the local executives to get involve in this Work Responsibility Act. This is basically for people in federal assistance to go back into the work force,” he said.
Based on its recent talks, acting NAP administrator James Kintol identified 100 people who already are in the category that should be preparing for their transition to work for a living.
Officials consider their going back to school will facilitate the transition. Self-help courses normally bring confidence to students.
“We find a lot of people, like in Adult School, who were somewhat lost. They take a few courses and they feel good about themselves,” Angello said.
