EmpowerED

Shaelyn once believed her learning disability meant her dreams were out of reach. It wasn’t until adult education opened new doors that she began to see what was possible — and to believe in the future she had always imagined.

Kristen felt stuck in a low paying job, and as she watched her autistic son excel in school, she knew she wanted to be shining example to him. Discover how adult ed helped Kristen turn her life around and provide a salaried position that gives her and her son everything they need and more.

Angel began his journey with limited English proficiency, and today he is paying it forward—helping others practice their English and launching an award-winning program that strengthens language skills within his community.

This must-see episode discusses how adult education helped Marcos Bonilla-Cruz reach his full potential after coming to America. His advice for adult learners is something you won't want to miss.

When Mary Baker decided to get her education, she walked in feeling afraid that she couldn't succeed. Once she realized that comparison was the death of her happiness, she began to give herself the space and room to grow at her own pace. Today, Mary is a property manager who feels confident in her abilities and no longer feels overwhelmed to learn new skills! Her whole future is spread before her.

Samia Omran has faced many challenges in her life, but with her four children by her side, and adult education pushing her toward her goals, Samia took charge of her future and dreams of writing her story one day.

Raylena Hayes came to adult education after dropping out as a teenage mom. After getting married and having four children, Raylena couldn't see a career path forward for herself, until she enrolled in a career adult education program. After failing the exam 6 times, Raylena persevered and finished her HSE. Her teachers asked her to be the keynote speaker at her graduation, and today she has a fulfilling career as a motivational speaker!

Rita Rogers originally encountered adult education while learning more English to pass her citizenship exam. After two years of volunteering at her program, Rita fell in love with adult education, and today has been promoted to a leadership role as her program's career navigator.

Victoria Garcia Montoya came to adult education to finish her HSE, but when she walked that stage, she walked away with so much more than a diploma. She now works as an administrative assistant for a college, and she dreams of someday having her own food truck, opening her own restaurant, and becoming the state senator of her county.

After years of feeling suppressed, adult ed helped Luiz Nunes learn English. Now he feels that he has a voice and an opinion at the table, and he is excited to use his voice to lead others.

The loss of Danielle Gillen's mother on the morning of her final GED exam set her up for failure, but Danielle wasn't ready to give up yet. Years later Danielle found the strength to start up again, and now she has become a supervisor in the hospitality industry on the island of Bermuda.

Starting a new life in a new country propelled Maira to learn English, and once she tasted success in this one area, her desire for learning became insatiable. Now, having finished a graduate degree in neurobiology, Maira looks for ways to inspire other immigrants to take charge of their future.