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St. Rita Program

Supporting adult students for a brighter future
St. Rita, A Workforce Program

Education & Career Advancement Assistance

St. Rita, a Workforce Program, is a ministry of Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas that is designed to remove barriers for those who are unemployed or underemployed. The program is for individuals who are motivated to break the cycle of poverty and change their lives through education and career advancement.

The St. Rita Program provides the support and assistance needed to earn a certificate or degree, as well as obtain and retain employment. The overall goal is for graduates to find success in a high-demand, high-paying profession.

Are you a local community member interested in supporting the St. Rita Program? Learn more about ways to get involved!

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Why Choose the St. Rita Program?

Academic level is consistently related to higher earnings and career development. Education is also a primary factor in fighting poverty! Over the past year:

  • 78 participants graduated with credentials 
  • 69 participants secured employment 
  • 49 participants saw an increase in wages 

…and these numbers continue to grow!

Program Timeline

The St. Rita Workforce Program is offered year-round at Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas. Program participants should expect to complete the program within 12 months. Completion is dependent on career path selection.

Career Paths

The St. Rita Program can help unemployed and underemployed individuals advance in:
  • Skilled trades (electrician, machine operator, welder, etc.)
  • Healthcare (nursing, dental assistant, EKG Technician, etc.)
  • Information Technology (IT manager, web developer, data analyst, etc.)
  • Life Sciences (lab technician, research assistant, etc.)
  • And more! If you are interested in furthering your education in these or similar fields, please review our program eligibility and contact us.

St. Rita Program Services

  • Personalized assessments to determine the best training/career path
  • Assistance with identifying high-demand occupations with a sustainable income
  • Referrals for grants, scholarships and other tuition assistance
  • Work readiness training
  • Resume and interview assistance
  • Access to Catholic Charities’ financial coaching and additional resources
  • Person-centered career coaching to support educational and career employment goals (during the program and post-graduation) 
  • Connections to community partners and agencies
  • Support in removing barriers to successful completion of training program and/or stable employment

Workforce Partnerships

It takes a village to help ensure our program participants are set up for lasting success in both the workplace and at home. We are proud to partner with an expansive list of institutions across Kansas.

The months I spent with the St. Rita Program taught me so much more than being a technician. [...] My graduation that year was a victory for my whole family."

—Lavaunte, St. Rita Program graduate, class of 2018

Qualifications to Enroll in the St. Rita Program
  • Must be within 12 months or less of earning credentials (must be able to complete program within 12 months)
  • Must display an interest in Skilled Trades, Healthcare, IT or Life Sciences careers
  • Must be committed to engaging in intensive case management with Catholic Charities
  • Must be 18 years or older
  • Must be authorized to work and study in the U.S.
Ways to Get Involved with Our Program
  • Become an Employer Partner
    • Offer internships to program participants
    • Provide job shadowing opportunities
    • Support job placement for St. Rita graduates within your company
  • Become a Community Partner
    • Offer student referrals to our program
St. Rita Program & Workforce

Hope Stories

Contact Us

The St. Rita Program is part of Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas’ Workforce department.
Use the form below to contact the Workforce team.
Please submit other questions to our general Contact Catholic Charities page.

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Hope Stories and Blog Posts About Our Workforce Programs