Video: Ivan Fernandez

Rodney Owens: Making Up for Lost Time

CHARLOTTE, N.C.—When Rodney Owens graduated from high school in 1991, his choice seemed clear: go to a four-year college or get a job. Now, decades later, he realizes there are other options, and he’s made it his mission to let young high school graduates know that.

READ THIS STORYarrow

Ivan Fernandez: Realizing a Long-Deferred Dream

SEATTLE—Cesar Ivan Fernandez always thought that if he could get back to school, his life would be better. After dropping out of college, working in several jobs, moving frequently, getting married and trying for years to clarify his immigration status, Fernandez returned to school in 2015 at Seattle Central College. He is now on track […]

READ THIS STORYarrow

Marcia McCallum: Finally, It’s Her Turn

AUSTIN, Texas—Marcia McCallum graduated from high school in 1983. She decided to continue her education 29 years later. A lot of life happened in between.

READ THIS STORYarrow

Chris Mulford: From Deployment to Diploma

CHARLOTTE, N.C.—Chris Mulford was deployed to Jordan and Kuwait with the North Carolina Army National Guard when he decided he needed to plan for the future.

READ THIS STORYarrow

Maliaka White: Making It Stick This Time

SEATTLE—Maliaka White was scared. A single mother of two, she suddenly found herself out of work. That’s when she decided she would try again—for the fourth time—to further her education.

READ THIS STORYarrow

José Cancino: Once a Dropout, Now a Scholar

AUSTIN, Texas—Sometimes it just takes a change of scene to change a life. Just ask José Cancino.

READ THIS STORYarrow

Nick & Lukas Kwiatkowski: An Apprenticeship Brotherhood

STANLEY, N.C.—Nicholas Kwiatkowski gave his younger brother, Lukas, his first job. Lukas later returned the favor, showing Nick a path to a career.

READ THIS STORYarrow