Training for Impact: How CobbWorks Graduates Are Building Economic Stability
CobbWorks proudly celebrated the graduation of our Winter 2025 cohort, and the energy in the room said it all—hard work pays off, perseverance matters, and new beginnings are worth celebrating. Graduates, families, employer partners, board members, and staff gathered to honor a powerful milestone: the completion of programs designed to build strong foundations, open doors to opportunity, and support long-term economic success.
This graduation represented more than one pathway—it reflected the full continuum of opportunity at CobbWorks. We celebrated individuals who earned their GED, a critical foundational pillar that unlocks access to post-secondary education, skills training, and career advancement. We also honored graduates of our PowerUp! pre-apprenticeship and registered apprenticeship programs, made possible through transformative partnerships with Lockheed Martin and the Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors Association (PHCCA)—programs that connect talent directly to high-demand, high-wage careers in critical industries.
Each year, CobbWorks graduates more than 350 youth and adults from high-demand, high-wage credential programs, expanding opportunity, strengthening the local workforce, and helping to alleviate poverty across our community. At CobbWorks, our mission is rooted in one purpose: creating clear, attainable pathways to employment and economic mobility. Through education, workforce training, career readiness support, and strong employer partnerships, we help individuals gain not only skills and credentials, but also confidence, direction, and real access to opportunity.
The ceremony was made even more meaningful by the presence and leadership of the CobbWorks Board of Directors, who consistently demonstrate their commitment by showing up, encouraging graduates, and sharing impactful words of wisdom. Special thanks to Bill Tanks and Cynthia Burks, whose generosity of time, talent, and unwavering support continue to inspire our graduates and strengthen our mission.
We were further inspired by remarks from Mayor Michael Owens and Judge Kareen West, who helped honor individual achievements and formally recognize each graduate as they crossed the stage. Every name called represented a unique journey—of barriers overcome, goals achieved, and futures reshaped. These moments remind us why workforce development matters: when people are supported, families are strengthened, businesses thrive, and communities grow stronger.
To our Winter 2025 graduates—congratulations on this incredible achievement. Whether you earned your GED, completed an apprenticeship or pre-apprenticeship, entered the workforce, advanced in your career, or are continuing your education, you demonstrated determination, resilience, and belief in your future. We are honored to have been part of your journey and excited to see what comes next.
We extend our deepest gratitude to our staff, employer partners, board members, speakers, and supporters who make this work possible. Your collaboration and belief in our mission help transform potential into progress and opportunity into action.
Here's to new beginnings, continued success, and a future filled with possibility. 🎓✨
Congratulations, graduates—we are cheering you on every step of the way.
