The Fifth Year Podcast
by Fifth Year by Junior Achievement
The Fifth Year Podcast explores what happens after high school — and why so many students feel unprepared for what comes next.Through real conversations with students, alumni, educators, and industry professionals, we unpack the gaps in career readiness, financial literacy, and real-world experience — and how intentional opportunities can change outcomes.Whether you’re a student figuring out your next step, a parent or educator supporting young adults, or an employer invested in the future workforce, this podcast is about bridging the gap between school and the real world.
Episodes
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Communication Takes Practice | The Fifth Year Podcast: Episode 17
What skills do students need to succeed beyond the classroom?In this episode of The Fifth Year Podcast, we sit down with Jasmine Smith to talk about communication, real-world skills, and what today’s students need as they prepare for life after high school.We dive into why communication takes...
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Building Tomorrow’s Workforce | The Fifth Year Podcast: Episode 16
What does it take to build a stronger workforce right here in Northwest Ohio? In this episode of The Fifth Year Podcast, we sit down with Brandon Ruiz, CEO of Nemsys, to talk about the impact of 5th Year, the importance of creating opportunities for young adults, and how paid internships can help...
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5th Year & UToledo | The Fifth Year Podcast: Episode 15
What does it take to prepare the next generation for success?In this episode of The Fifth Year Podcast, we sit down with the Provost of The University of Toledo to talk about the partnership between UToledo and 5th Year, the importance of creating opportunities for students, and how education and...
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Finding His Path: From 5th Year to Mercy Health | The Fifth Year Podcast: Episode 14
From 5th Year to a Career That Fits 🌱Choosing your next step after high school isn't always a straight line — and that's exactly the point of 5th Year. In this episode of The Fifth Year Podcast, we sit down with Logan Simok to talk about his own 5th Year journey and how it led him to his current...
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Opening Doors to the Trades | The Fifth Year Podcast: Episode 13
Opening Doors to the Trades 🔨🎙️The skilled trades offer more than just a job—they offer a career you can build a future on. In this episode of The Fifth Year Podcast, we're joined by representatives from the Central Midwest Carpenters to talk about the opportunities available in the trades and...
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The Class of 2027 Has Arrived | The Fifth Year Podcast: Episode 12
The Fifth Year Podcast is back! 🎙️ To kick off our relaunch, we're introducing the newest class of 5th Year students before their journey officially begins. From rapid-fire questions and our Adulting Report Card to sharing what they're bringing into this next chapter—and what they're leaving...
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His High School Internship Turned Into a Career | Fifth Year Podcast: Episode 11
What happens when a high school internship turns into a career?In this episode of The Fifth Year Podcast, we sit down with JA Alum Mustafa to hear about his journey. What started as a JA internship during his senior year of high school didn’t just give him early career exposure, it opened the…
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A Family’s Experience with Fifth Year | The Fifth Year Podcast: Episode 10
In this episode of The Fifth Year Podcast, we sit down with the Edens family to hear their perspective on the Fifth Year experience.They share what it was like navigating the decision, how they’ve seen the program impact their student’s growth, and why opportunities like Fifth Year matter from a...
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Growth, Friends, and Finding Your Path | Fifth Year Podcast: Episode 9
What happens when students step into a program that challenges them to grow, connect, and discover who they are? In this episode of The Fifth Year Podcast, we sit down with Faith and Mar’Quez to talk about their personal journeys through the Fifth Year program. From navigating new experiences and...
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Why Businesses Are Investing in Young Talent | Fifth Year Podcast: Episode 8
What happens when young adults are given real opportunities… and start stepping into the professional world early?In this episode of The Fifth Year Podcast, we sit down with a local business leader to talk about the real impact of giving students hands-on experience. From building confidence and...
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More Than Just Experience | Fifth Year Podcast: Episode 7
What happens when you start gaining real experience… and it changes how you see yourself? In this episode of The Fifth Year Podcast, we go deeper into the growth that comes from stepping into the real world. From building confidence and developing professional skills to learning through…
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Finding the Right Path | Fifth Year Podcast: Episode 6
What happens when the career you thought you wanted isn’t the one you fall in love with?In this episode of The Fifth Year Podcast, Donovan shares how he went from exploring a future in news to discovering a passion for IT. He talks about the process of trying new things, learning what actually…
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“I Had No Clue What to Do After High School”: The Fifth Year Podcast | Episode 5
What do you do when you graduate high school… but still aren’t sure what’s next?In this episode of The Fifth Year Podcast, students talk honestly about the pressure to have everything figured out after graduation — and why they chose a different path. From learning how to budget and manage...
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The Fifth Year Podcast | Episode 4: What’s Next After Lourdes University
After the closure of Lourdes University, many students, families, and supporters were left asking the same question: What’s next? In this episode, we speak candidly about this transition season, what it means, how we’re navigating it, and why this moment is not the end of The Fifth Year story....
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The Fifth Year Podcast | Episode 3: Robert & Sophia on Finding Their Path
In this episode of The Fifth Year Podcast, Robert and Sophia share what it was really like to go through their 5th Year experience. From stepping into new environments to building real connections, they reflect on the moments that helped them gain direction for their future. Hear how site visits,...
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The Fifth Year Podcast | Episode 2: More Than a Gap Year
In Episode 2 of The Fifth Year Podcast, we go deeper into what makes Fifth Year different. Sabrina shares her personal journey, how she became part of the Fifth Year team, and why this program is so much more than a traditional gap year. We talk about what Fifth Year actually is, why it matters…
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The Fifth Year Podcast | Episode 1: Why Fifth Year Exists (and the Gap It Fills)
Why does Fifth Year exist? In our very first episode of The Fifth Year Podcast, we break down the gap too many students face after high school — the lack of real-world experience, financial skills, and career clarity. We talk about the problem Fifth Year was created to solve, why traditional…
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About this show
The Fifth Year Podcast explores what happens after high school — and why so many students feel unprepared for what comes next.Through real conversations with students, alumni, educators, and industry professionals, we unpack the gaps in career readiness, financial literacy, and real-world experience — and how intentional opportunities can change outcomes.Whether you’re a student figuring out your next step, a parent or educator supporting young adults, or an employer invested in the future workforce, this podcast is about bridging the gap between school and the real world.
Hosted by
Fifth Year by Junior Achievement
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