Fostering Conversations

After Angelica Mosqueda’s mother passed away, she struggled with traditional high school, finding it difficult to find her focus. Knowing she’d need her diploma to achieve her academic and career goals, she turned to Penn Foster to help her get back on track at her own pace. “I was always advanced when it came to school, so when I was registering with Penn Foster, I figured the High School with Early College Courses would give me an extra challenge.” Listen to her story here.

My Brother's Workshop assists at-risk youth with becoming positive members of society through mentoring, training, education, and job placement. Students learn a trade while working towards their High School Diploma with Penn Foster. "I think [our partnership] is important because some of our young people...They don't feel comfortable in a conventional setting and I think we provide a safe space for them here," said Nakeba. "I think Penn Foster provides that one-to-one that they need." Once students complete the program, a graduation is held and the community members come together to celebrate their achievements. "It means the next step into something new... Success is not a straight line and there are ups and downs and things that are going to come in your way... And I think at the end of the day when they get that diploma and they walk that walk, and have the whole ceremony and the cap and gown and everything it's like 'I achieved and accomplished something'," she said. My Brother's Workshop also helps graduates with resume building and job search assistance. Listen to learn more.

Brianna Jones has been named one of our Graduate of the Year finalists. Brianna was working in the restaurant industry, but once she became pregnant with her son she knew it was time for a change. That's when she enrolled in our online Pharmacy Technician Career Diploma Program. "I don't think I could have done it without Penn Foster in any form or fashion," she said. "I haven't found another school with the flexibility." While working through the program Brianna secured a part time position at CVS and was hired for a full time role once she graduated. "Without Penn Foster I probably wouldn't have been able to get into a pharmacy [job]," she said. Through working with CVS, Brianna obtained the certification needed to give immunizations, is CPR certified, and is working towards becoming certified in compounding. Listen to her story.

Julia Kahan has been named one of our Graduate of the Year finalists. While working as an orthopedic surgeon, Julia and a patient discussed their mutual love of animals. That’s when her patient told her about our online Veterinary Technician Associate Degree Program. Julia took a leap and enrolled. "From the beginning I was hooked," she said. "I couldn't believe it. It was perfect for me." Working fulltime and going to school, Julia had a busy schedule, but she was "fulfilling a dream." Since graduating, Julia has made the decision to leave medicine and now works as a veterinary technician at a small animal facility and volunteers at a nonprofit farm working with large animals. "It enabled me to take my love of medicine and apply it to animals which I'm just so passionate about," she said. "...I feel so good about my life. I'm doing what I want to do." Listen to her story.

Dontay Long has been named one of our Graduate of the Year finalists. After dropping out of high school in eleventh grade, Dontay said he had less opportunities. That's when he decided to enroll in our online High School Diploma Program. "I wanted to move up... I decided not having a high school diploma really sets you back," he said. "Penn Foster offered the best program and I put my time and dedication into getting a high school diploma." Now, Dontay holds a number of certifications and works in the automotive industry as a forklift operator. He plans to own and operate his own carpentry business. Dontay believes Penn Foster helped him succeed and without his high school diploma he'd still be earning minimum wage. "Penn Foster gave me the chance...I'm just honored that I was part of the program." Listen to his story.

Amanda Boucher has been named one of our Graduate of the Year finalists. Working in the field, Amanda had experience but lacked credentials. That's when she decided to enroll in our Medical Billing and Coding Career Diploma Program. Amanda enjoyed the flexibility of an online program. "As soon as I was ready, Penn Foster was ready," she said. Once she graduated, Amanda received a raise at work and believes she's an asset to her company. "I honestly don't think I could have made a better decision for where I'm at in my life right now," she said. Listen to her story.

Monelle Alexis has been named one of our Graduate of the Year finalists. With a background in communications, Monelle believed a degree in marketing would be the right next step. She wanted to attend a college that was flexible and affordable and enrolled in Ashworth College's online Marketing Bachelor's Degree Program. "I found Ashworth the perfect marriage between affordability and flexibility and that was perfect for me," she said. Prior to graduating, Monelle started her business, Your Marketer, where she offers marketing services to contracted clients. After graduating, she began working at Dominica State College as Public Relations and Recruitment Officer and has recently been assigned to the Dominica-China Friendship Hospital as a Communications Consultant. "I do all things marketing and I'm able to do that largely because of the knowledge I got from Ashworth," she said. Listen to her story.

Izabella Saurez wanted an education that allowed her flexibility. That’s when she enrolled in our online High School Diploma Program. "For me, personally, the biggest aspect that drew me to an online program was flexibility and the freedom, and I found that to be really valuable in high school," she said. "I was able to enrich a lot of my student experiences with things that I wouldn’t have been able to have the time for had I been in a traditional high school setting." With the ability to work while earning her diploma, she was able to gain real-world experience in the education field. After graduating, Izabella then enrolled in our self-paced Early Childhood Education Associate Degree Program. Once she graduated, she was promoted to Head Teacher at Apple Montessori Schools. "I truly feel like Penn Foster College has opened so many doors for me at such an affordable rate," she said. "When I graduated high school, I really contemplated whether college was the right move for me just because financially it could have potentially been a big stretch for my family, but I’m so grateful to have found a program that’s not only accredited, but affordable, and it made college actually an achievable goal for me and my family. And being a first-generation graduate, I just carry that with so much pride, and I can’t express how grateful I am for Penn Foster for having extended that opportunity to me through their associate degree program." Listen to her story.

John Hunt always wanted to earn a college education. With a family and full-time job, he enrolled in Ashworth College's online, self-paced Construction Management Degree Program. "The school certainly supports you," he said. "The program is designed for people who are working and want to get back to school." Once John graduated from our associate degree program he earned a promotion. "[The program] helped me gain more credibility at work," he said. John then enrolled in our online Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration Program. While enrolled he was promoted again, and then once he graduated was named Director of Global Facilities and Real Estate. John then went on to earn his MBA. "For years I looked back and said 'boy, I wish I would have gotten my degree. Boy, I wish I would have finished.' But, I don't have to say that anymore," he said "I went farther than I thought I could." Listen to his story.

Yulanda Edgin, a Walmart associate, found Penn Foster's online Optician Career Diploma Program through our partnership with Guild Education. Working as an optician in Walmart's Vision Center, Yulanda's manager encouraged her to enroll. "There are many advantages with studying and completing program online," she said. "[It's self-paced], you can take your laptop and do the program practically anywhere." Yulanda uses what she learned in her program at work. "I have applied majority of the skills I have learned into my job," said "I was doing the job before taking the course but I am more confident and understand a lot more of what I do because of taking the course." Now, Yulanda is studying to become a licensed optician and encourages her coworkers to enroll. "My education with Penn Foster helps me in my career by putting me a step closer to becoming a licensed optician," she said. Listen to her story.