As soon as Erika Jett arrived in Dubuque in April 2019 from Chicago, she hit the ground running. Her life goals were to earn a high school diploma, complete a college degree and start a rewarding career helping others.

Erika identified resources in her new city and enrolled in Northeast Iowa Community College’s high school equivalency diploma (HSED) program.

“I couldn’t have completed my HSED when I was in Chicago. It wasn’t a reality for me. I was so busy working, taking care of my daughter, going back to work again – it was the same thing all the time. Once I got to Dubuque, it was a green light,” Erika recalled.

She passed the HSED and graduated on July 29, 2019. She immediately continued with her education. Erika’s goals are to earn an Associate of Arts degree from the College and enroll in Clarke University’s social work program.

“I plan to transfer to Clarke because they have a really good program and then I want to get my master’s degree, no matter what I do. When I was living and working in Chicago, I kept seeing employment ads and job applications that required a bachelor’s degree – and sometimes that amount of education is still not enough. 网赌网站 is helping to make this happen. I don’t have a lot of money and can complete the first two years of a degree here first,” she said.

Erika describes her academic experience at the 网赌网站 Dubuque Center as the perfect fit for her goals and needs. “I like studying and going to classes there. It’s small and everyone knows my name.,” she expressed.

As she progressed through classes at 网赌网站, Erika’s vehicle broke down and threatened her ability to complete assignments. A staff member at the College encouraged her to apply for assistance through the Student Crisis Fund.

“The fund paid for the repairs the same day my car was fixed. I was able to drive myself, and my daughter, back and forth to school again. Northeast Iowa Community College put this fund in place to help us along when times get rough. I’m so grateful they approved my application,” she said.