MONEY

Maria did what the system asked her to do. After a regional warehouse cut shifts, she enrolled in a publicly funded training program that promised a path into health care administration. The brochure showed stable hours, better pay, and a certificate that could help her move out of low-wage work. The tuition was covered. The case manager was encouraging. The classroom was clean. On paper, it looked like a smart public investment. Then the costs began to appear. Maria had to t