The Fifth Year Podcast

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 practice, how students can become more comfortable having real conversations, and why understanding the...

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 students gain real-world experience and discover their path. We talk about career readiness, investing...

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 real-world experience can work together to help young adults find their path. We talk about the futur...

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 role at Mercy Health. We discuss what it was like to take a year to explore before committing...

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 how students can turn hands-on skills into lifelong careers. We discuss apprenticeships, the benefit...

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 behind—you'll get a first look at the personalities, goals, and perspectives of the Class o...

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...

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...

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 b...

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 exp...

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 j...

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 expecte...

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...

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,...

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 ex...

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. Pl...

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 tr...