For these three women, Lorain County JVS’s Adult Diploma Program was a second chance at a better life. For many, life sometimes presents obstacles that derail our plans. But, like Montavia Davila says, it’s never too late to take advantage of new opportunities. Montavia, her mother Renee Gibson, and Yasmin Hamdi, all three did just that over the last several years by enrolling in the Adult Diploma Program at Lorain County JVS and earning a new career in the process.

In Ohio, the Adult Diploma Program provides job training and an alternate pathway for adults, ages 20 or older, to earn an industry-recognized credential aligned to one of Ohio’s in-demand jobs (after passing the WorkKeys, course requirements, and assessments) and awarded a state-issued high school diploma. What makes this program different from a traditional high school setting is the delivery of instruction to adults. Instead of measuring academic achievement through clock hours, seat time or credits earned, the focus is on a competency-based approach that provides a self-paced option. Once competencies have been learned, adults then demonstrate mastery of skill.

This opportunity gave Renee, Montavia and Yasmin a chance to not only earn their high school diploma but also earn the credentials needed to start a career. For Montavia that has led to a job as a traveling phlebotomist. Yasmin is now a nurse. For Renee, she earned her State Tested Nurses Aide certification and works at the Cleveland Clinic Rehabilitation Center in Avon.

“The program was awesome and the hands-on was phenomenal. I would encourage anybody and everybody to don’t give up. If you want something you’ve got to fight hard for it,” offered Gibson.

Their experiences and stories can be watched in this video produced by Lorain County JVS.