This fall, 13 students graduated from BCNC’s CustomerFIRST program. The program partners with the National Retail Federation’s Rise Up Foundation to offer specialized training in ESOL and Customer Service and Sales.

As part of the program, graduates received free course materials, training, and counseling from BCNC instructors, along with the opportunity to take the official exam offered by the NRF Foundation. This initiative is supported by the City of Boston Mayor’s Office of Workforce Development, the MassHire Metro North Workforce Board, and the SNAP Path to Work program.

Following graduation, 7 of the students have secured employment at reputable companies including Macy’s, Boston Children's Hospital, Uber, and Amazon. Meanwhile, others are preparing for upcoming interviews.

Among the graduates is Nahomie, who relocated to the United States from Haiti in August 2023. A former chef, restaurant owner, and dedicated student, Nahomie shared,

“I joined the BCNC CustomerFIRST program because I wanted to provide better service to my customers with compassion and loyalty. Now that I’ve completed the course, I’m excited to pursue a new career, whether as a secretary or chef. One day, I hope to open my own restaurant here in the United States.”