Tiffany Cannon was always interested in two things — working in technology and helping others. But between personal challenges and a tumultuous job market, the path to get there wasn’t clear.
And she isn’t alone.
In Greater Atlanta, only 27% of students are on track to earn a degree or credential in 2025 according to the Governor’s Office for Student Achievement. Even for those who do, landing that first job can feel impossible. Young adults ages 16-24 experience higher unemployment than any other age group. Many young adults face a paradox: you need a job to get experience, but you need experience to get a job.
Talent isn’t the problem — access is
For Tiffany, the challenge in finding a job wasn’t only the job market. “It’s all about who you know,” she said.
But what do you do when your network is already limited? What happens when you’re also navigating housing instability, transportation barriers, or personal challenges?
Tiffany faced all of that all while trying to pursue a degree at Georgia State. It just wasn’t working, until she heard about an alternate path through at apprenticeship program at Elevance Health, one of United Way of Greater Atlanta’s CareerReady ATL partners.
“I heard about the apprenticeship and one thing that caught my eye is that it’s based on cybersecurity. That’s exactly what I wanted to do,” Tiffany remembered.
CareerReady ATL helps interrupt the cycle of youth unemployment by connecting underrepresented young adults to high-growth career pathways through apprenticeships. Participants receive hands-on training while building a career in an established company. At the same time, United Way and our network of partners provide wraparound support to help young adults navigate the real-life challenges that can stand in the way of success.
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Through CareerReady ATL, Tiffany started a youth apprenticeship program at Elevance Health to train in computer science and cybersecurity. She was able to get the cost of additional education certificates covered, assistance with a security deposit on a place to live, and guidance through personal challenges. Just as important, the apprenticeship connected her to people — colleagues and mentors — who could open doors and advocate for her growth.
From opportunity to career: Different career pathways for young adults
Unlike traditional internships, the program met Tiffany where she was.
“Things happen — school, kids, transportation, living situations. With the apprenticeship program, we have a lot more support than an internship program,” she said.
Now, her coworkers see her potential too. She was hired on full-time at the end of her apprenticeship as a Program Coordinator, using her computer science skills. Now, she’s in training to be promoted to Business Service Change Senior Manager on the recommendation of a coworker.
READ MORE: CareerReady ATL is providing real opportunity to Greater Atlanta youth
Looking back, Tiffany says her younger self would be surprised at where she is now.
“The CareerReady ATL program changed my life,” she said.
“A lot of kids don’t like to go to college — who wants to pay student loans? Who wants to be in debt? Even though it may seem hard with the economy we’re living in, don’t give up…There are so many options out there. And with apprenticeship programs, there’s a lot out there for anybody to do anything they want.”
Tiffany’s story is proof that talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. For those other 73% of high school students not on track to reach college or career training, it’s not about skill or talent, but rather a lack of access and support.
To invest in more stories like Tiffany’s, we have to invest in programs that create access and build futures — and you can help make that happen when you donate today.