The Fifth Year Podcast

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 door to long-term opportunity.Mustafa shares how that first experience helped him build confidence, gain real-world skills, and develop relationships that carried far beyond graduation.His story is a powerful example of what happens when students are given meaningful, hands-on experiences early on. It’s not just about exploring career paths, it’s about discovering where you belong and building toward something real.If you’ve ever wondered how one opportunity can shape an entire career, this episode is for you.🎙 The Fifth Year Podcast shares real stories from students and professionals shaping their futures through Junior Achievement’s Fifth Year program.Learn more about the Fifth Year program: www.my5thyear.com#fifthyear #careerpath #internship #careergrowth #youngprofessionals #podcast

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 family point of view. From initial thoughts to reflections along the way, this conversation highlights the support, trust, and transformation that can happen when families are part of the journey.🎙 The Fifth Year Podcast shares real stories from students and professionals shaping the future through Junior Achievement’s Fifth Year program.Learn more about the Fifth Year program: www.my5thyear.com#fifthyear #careergrowth #personaldevelopment #community #youngprofessionals #podcast

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 building confidence to forming real connections, they share how their time in the program has shaped both their mindset and their future.You’ll hear how they’ve grown not just as students, but as individuals—developing independence, strengthening their skills, and finding a community that supports and pushes them forward. Their stories highlight the power of being surrounded by people who are all working toward something bigger.It’s not just about what you learn—it’s about who you become along the way.If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to grow, connect, and figure things out with a community beside you, this episode is for you.🎙 The Fifth Year Podcast shares real stories from students and professionals shaping the future through Junior Achievement’s Fifth Year program.Learn more about the Fifth Year program: www.my5thyear.com#fifthyear #careergrowth #personaldevelopment #community #youngprofessionals #podcast

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 developing soft skills to forming meaningful relationships, this conversation dives into how early exposure to the workplace can completely change a student’s trajectory.You’ll hear how Fifth Year students go from unsure and timid to confident, prepared, and ready to take on the world—and why that transformation matters not just for them, but for the entire community.It’s not just about experience—it’s about connection, confidence, and finding your place.If you’ve ever wondered what makes the difference between feeling lost and feeling ready, this episode is for you.🎙 The Fifth Year Podcast shares real stories from students and professionals shaping the future through Junior Achievement’s Fifth Year program.Learn more about the Fifth Year program: www.my5thyear.com#fifthyear #careergrowth #personaldevelopment #lifeafterhighschool #youngprofessionals #podcast

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 challenges, this conversation explores what personal and career growth actually looks like over time. It’s not just about trying different paths—it’s about who you become along the way. If you’ve ever wondered what real growth feels like, this episode is for you.🎙 The Fifth Year Podcast shares real stories from students navigating life after high school and discovering their path through Junior Achievement’s Fifth Year program. Learn more about the Fifth Year program: www.my5thyear.com

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 fits his interests, and how the Fifth Year program gave him the space to explore a path he never expected.If you’ve ever started down one path only to realize something else might be a better fit, this conversation is for you.🎙 The Fifth Year Podcast shares real stories from students navigating life after high school and discovering their path through Junior Achievement’s Fifth Year program.Learn more about the Fifth Year program: www.my5thyear.com#FifthYear #CareerExploration #LifeAfterHighSchool #InformationTechnology #Podcast

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 real-world responsibilities to visiting local businesses and exploring different careers, they share what it’s actually like to take a year to grow, explore, and figure things out.If you’ve ever felt like everyone else had a plan except you, this conversation is for you.🎙 The Fifth Year Podcast shares real stories from students navigating life after high school and discovering their path through Junior Achievement’s Fifth Year program.Learn more about the Fifth Year program: www.my5thyear.com#FifthYear #CareerExploration #LifeAfterHighSchool #YoungProfessionals #Podcast

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. While we’re not ready to share every detail of what’s ahead, we give insight into the incredible support, conversations, and encouragement happening behind the scenes. What’s become clear is this: the mission is bigger than one campus. The community is stronger than ever. And the doors opening right now remind us that The Fifth Year was built for moments like this. Stay tuned. The next chapter is coming and it’s going to be strong.

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, mentorship, and hands-on experiences shaped their growth and why 5th Year became more than just an extra year. It became the year everything started to click.If you’re still figuring out your next step, this conversation is for you.

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 for students navigating their next step, and how real-world experience builds confidence and clarity.Plus, Sabrina shares some of her favorite memories (and a few funny moments) from working with students along the way.If you’ve ever wondered whether Fifth Year is right for you — this episode is a great place to start.

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 paths don’t work for everyone, and how intentional experiences, mentorship, and exposure can change the trajectory for young adults.This episode sets the foundation for what this podcast — and the Fifth Year program — is all about.