Economic Mobility: Post – Secondary Education Creates Opportunities

Tomory was homeless, unemployed, and looking for new opportunities when he met a Martha O’ Bryan Post Secondary Coach while living out of his car and traveling from parking lot to parking lot. He was on a quest to find stable housing and financial stability after receiving little support him his family. Tomory’s Post Secondary coach not only helped him find housing via the Martha O’ Bryan Accelerated Residential Community Program (ARC) , but helped him think about his long-term career goals and plans. After several coaching sessions and with the help of his Post- Secondary Coach, Tomory decided to pursue a two- year degree program at Tennessee College of Applied Sciences. As a resident, of the ARC Tomory was surrounded by a community of young adults seeking stability, but most importantly he was surrounded by a group of peers who wanted to invest in their future.

The Martha O’ Bryan ARC program helps students eliminate barriers to open access to economic mobility via education. A large part of Tomory’s success was due to his own determination and the removal of the barriers to shelter and education. Tomory graduated from Tennessee College of Applied Technology in 2023, and currently works in maintenance at a luxury apartment.