[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 133 (Tuesday, September 6, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Page S5252]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                RECOGNIZING THE DELTA WORK READY ACADEMY

 Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, the Mississippi River Delta region 
is one of the poorest areas in the country, with vast economic 
development, education, and workforce training needs. Many people are 
struggling to maximize their professional potential and earning power 
due to a lack of resources and job opportunities. However, one 
community leader has dedicated himself to helping younger generations 
of Americans achieve success through a new, innovative education 
program designed to help them become productive members of the 
workforce. I would like to recognize Reverend James Smith and the Delta 
Work Ready Academy for their exemplary efforts to enrich communities 
through workforce training.
  As a former truancy officer for Richland Parish schools, Reverend 
James Smith of Rayville, LA, was inspired to create Delta Work Ready 
Academy to help young Louisianians who need a second chance reach new 
levels of economic prosperity and professional excellence. Students 
participating in the program are often the ones who are barely passing 
or have dropped out of high school, and who are most in need of help. 
Through his experience, Reverend Smith has seen firsthand how teaching 
these young adults skills they need to succeed can break the cycle of 
poverty that has plagued many rural communities for decades.
  The Delta Work Ready Academy allows students age 14 to 21 to gain 
useful and in-demand skills, such as carpentry and electrical training, 
in addition to ``soft skills'' like workplace behavior, punctuality, 
and teamwork. Students are paid minimum wage for the time it takes to 
complete the program and finish with an industry-based certification 
that will allow them to move into a high-paying job. Since the founding 
of the program, many companies have partnered with the Delta Work Ready 
Academy to bring young and energetic students into the workforce. I am 
confident that programs like Delta Work Ready Academy will help bridge 
the gap between Louisiana's rapid economic expansion and its struggle 
to provide the necessary number of skilled workers.
  I appreciate and applaud the hard work and achievements of Reverand 
Smith and the Delta Work Ready Academy, and I would like to thank all 
of the folks who sacrifice their time to impact the lives of young 
Louisianians. I look forward to its continued growth and success.

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