Building Futures: Preparing the Workforce of Tomorrow

In this episode, host  Jill Dupy is joined by Kelly, a recent graduate of the Illinois High School Diploma program and a newly certified CNA. Kelly shares her inspiring journey from overcoming personal challenges and raising three children to earning her diploma and pursuing a career in caregiving. Kelly discusses the impact of education, the importance of believing in yourself, and what success m...

Tune in for a conversation with Christina Johnson, a 38-year-old single mother who recently earned her high school diploma through the Illinois High School Diploma Program. Christina shares her personal journey of overcoming obstacles, including unstable housing during her youth, to achieve educational success. She discusses how she completed her GED in just six weeks while balancing work and pare...

This episode features a conversation with Ralph Wideman, an adult education graduate who successfully completed his high school diploma at age 46 in 2023. Ralph shares his inspiring journey from working in the horse racing industry and trucking to pursuing higher education, now studying accounting at Lewis and Clark Community College. With candid discussions about balancing full-time work, family...

Tune in to hear from two YouthBuild students, Jada and Will, about their recent service trip to Oregon. The students share their experiences of traveling across the country, participating in team-building activities, and contributing to a "blitz build" project where they helped construct tiny homes for unhoused individuals. They discuss the impact of the trip on their personal growth, the importan...

In this month's episode, Jill interviews Casio Manley, a 17-year-old student who recently earned his Illinois high school diploma through the YouthBuild program. Casio talks about his journey in the program, from initially struggling with focus and motivation, to developing mental toughness, setting goals, and persevering through obstacles to pass his GED exams. Tune in to discover how YouthBuild...

In this episode, we sit down with Melissa McKay, a graduate of the Illinois High School Diploma program and current nursing student at Lewis and Clark Community College. Melissa shares her journey of overcoming personal challenges, including being a young mother, battling addiction, and navigating relationships, to pursue her education and dream of becoming a nurse. She also discusses the rigors o...

In this episode, you'll hear from BreAnna Buchanan, a recent graduate of the Illinois High School Diploma program from Lewis and Clark Community College in Greene County. BreAnna openly shares her story of facing addiction, losing custody of her son, and working hard to rebuild her life. She talks about earning her diploma while working at the Greene County Health Department as a recovery navigato...

In this episode, you'll hear from special guest Niecey May, a graduate of the YouthBuild program. Niecey shares her inspiring journey from discovering her passion for electrical work and solar energy to becoming a successful union electrician. She discusses the challenges she faced growing up, the support and encouragement she received from her church family, and the valuable skills and confidence...

Joining the podcast this month is Chloe Stockard, Transition Coordinator at the Adult Education Center. Chloe shares details about her background growing up in the area, her close relationship with her late mother who was a major influence in her life, and the pivotal moment when her mother became ill that gave Chloe a newfound strength. Chloe also discusses her role in helping adult education stu...

In this episode, you'll meet Computer Careers Instructor Jen Gibson. Jen talks about her background as an educator, what led her to teach computer literacy to adult learners, and her excitement for bringing real-world applicable digital skills and knowledge to students. She emphasizes that these abilities with software, hardware, and technology tools are essential for jobs today and invites anyone...

Tune in for a conversation with Vaughan Kuykendall, a 17-year-old student who found success through the YouthBuild program. Vaughan shares his journey of earning his Illinois high school diploma and receiving an AmeriCorps education award for his service projects, and how he is using the funds to advance his automotive education. He also shares advice for future students about the mindset that it...

This episode takes listeners through the steps of enrolling as an adult education student at Lewis and Clark Community College. It introduces the various staff members and their roles, including the outreach specialist, associate dean, directors, administrative team, pathway advocates, and transition coordinator. Discover the services offered such as earning a high school diploma, English classes,...

In this episode, you'll get to hear from two amazing tutors in the Project READ program, as they share their experiences working with adult learners on improving reading, writing, math, and English language skills. You'll learn tips on how to connect with and motivate adult students. You'll also discover the flexibility of volunteering as little as 1 hour per week and customizing lessons to the le...

In this episode, you'll hear from Erik Branham, who obtained his high school diploma, after being out of school for many years. Erik shares how he returned to get his diploma after serving in the Navy and becoming an aviation technician. Erik reveals his motivation for obtaining his high school diploma, and the biggest challenges that he faced along the way. He also discusses the ways in which obt...

In this episode, you'll hear from our Project Support Assistant Sarah Jones, as she shares her personal and educational journey. Sarah shares her perspective of being a parent of a student, as well as working at Lewis and Clark. She also shares tips for how to achieve success, even if you are taking a nontraditional path to education and career development.

In this episode, you'll hear from 3 YouthBuild students, Cayan Moore, Kadin Hausman-Brown and Jason Gill as they discuss the work that they have been doing renovating a house. Cayenne, Kadin and Jason share a bit about their background and what brought them to the program. The students also reveal the training they received prior to working on the house and how it has helped them. You'll also hear...

In this episode you'll hear from three former adult education students who are now in college; Rocky Hoffstot, Derick Stumpf and Kyan O' Bannon. The students discuss their academic interests and their professional goals and reveal whether they intend to stay in the area after they complete their studies. They also reveal the experiences that have helped to shape who they are today and how they hav...

This episode features a conversation with student Ju'Qyon Womack, as he discusses the importance of being committed to your goals and reveals his plans to start a business. Ju'Qyon discusses some of the important life lessons he has learned so far and shares advice about achieving success. 

In this episode, you'll meet Lucas Wall, YouthBuild and GED Program Participant, as he discusses his educational journey and why he decided to sign up for both programs. Lucas discusses what he enjoys most about his classes and the biggest challenges he has had to overcome in his life so far. He also reveals the advice he would give to a younger version of himself. 

In this episode, you'll meet Johnny Johnson, an adult education student who shares his journey from dropping out of school in 8th grade to obtaining his GED. Johnny talks about some of the obstacles that he faced along the way and how he was able to persevere and succeed. He also shares lessons for anyone thinking about starting their GED journey and discusses his future career plans. 

YouthBuild student Jada Johnson joins the program to discuss what brought her to YouthBuild and what she's learned from the program so far. Jada reveals some of the most important people in her life and the life lessons she's learned so far. You'll also hear updates about upcoming classes, including the GED program and enrollment for the YouthBuild program. 

In this episode, you'll meet Kyan O'Bannon, YouthBuild participant and new cohost for the podcast. Kyan shares his powerful story about how he turned his life around being incarcerated and reveals his favorite service projects that he's participated in so far. Kyan discusses the person who has had the most positive influence in his life. He also shares his career aspirations and what he hopes to a...

This episode features an interview with a student guest, Destiny Chism, as she shares her story about how she came to the GED program and how long it took her to complete her GED. Destiny discusses misconceptions about obtaining a GED and how she is now pursuing postsecondary education. She also reveals the importance of the support she received from faculty and shares tips for success. 

September 18th-24th is Adult Education and Family Literacy Week, and this episode explores the fun and importance of literacy and reading. You'll hear from special guests about their favorite books and how to access free training!  

In this episode, you'll hear from Madison Flannery, a GED program participant, and why she decided to enroll in the GED program. Madison reveals how she was supported by the Family Literacy Program, and the influences in her life that have made her who she is today. Madison also shares tips for anyone considering the GED program.