Josh explains that employer-sponsored education is creating new scholarship opportunities for students who may not have considered college financially possible. Demonstrating skills and commitment on the job can open doors to continued education.

He describes a partnership between Cuyahoga Valley Career Center, Ohio CAT, and Owens Community College that allows students to work as apprentice technicians while earning an associate degree in diesel technology.

According to Josh, most students participating in the Ohio CAT program over the past several years have received full tuition reimbursement, subject to program requirements, while earning money and gaining professional experience.

Josh highlights partnerships with electrical, carpentry, sheet metal, and pipefitting unions that allow some students to begin apprenticeships during their senior year. Some even complete their first year of apprenticeship before graduating from high school.

He explains that apprenticeships can lead directly to college credentials. Through articulation agreements, students completing skilled-trades apprenticeships may be only a few credits away from earning an associate degree.

Josh challenges the assumption that students must attend college immediately after graduation. He describes a "next-generation gap year" in which students enter the workforce, discover their strengths, and make more informed decisions about additional education.

He shares examples of manufacturing students who begin as machinists and later pursue engineering degrees at institutions such as the University of Akron or Kent State University, with support from their employers.

Josh says employer investment benefits both sides. Students gain confidence, credentials, and advancement opportunities, while companies develop skilled employees and improve retention.

He encourages students to become the architects of their own career journeys. Rather than focusing exclusively on an entry-level job, students should understand the opportunities available throughout an industry and the education required to advance.

Drawing on his own experience as a commercial roofer and union apprentice, Josh reminds students that career goals change over time. He encourages them to consider how their knowledge and skills can lead to new responsibilities and leadership positions.

Josh describes how Cuyahoga Valley Career Center works with eight partner districts to provide career awareness, exploration, and planning beginning in third grade. Career specialists connect students with hands-on activities, industry professionals, job shadows, and workplace experiences.

He emphasizes that college and career readiness extends well beyond high school graduation. The real goal is preparing students for continued learning, career advancement, and success throughout their working lives.

Josh's final message to educators and industry partners is that "it takes a village." Schools, employers, community organizations, and families must work together to identify students' needs, expand opportunities, and build sustainable career pathways.

Our guest for this episode of College & Career Readiness Radio is Wanda Herndon, author of Working Class to Breaking Glass and former vice president of global communications at Starbucks.

Wanda credits her parents with teaching her perseverance. Their journey from the segregated South to Michigan demonstrated that determination, hard work, and refusing to give up can create opportunities for future generations.

She believes the constant exposure to negative messages can contribute to hopelessness among young people. Helping students recognize positive opportunities and possibilities is essential to building hope.

Finding positive role models is one of Wanda's strongest recommendations. She encourages young people to identify individuals who represent who they want to become and learn from their experiences.

For Wanda, networking doesn't have to be complicated. Joining clubs, participating in organizations, building friendships, and asking questions can open doors to new opportunities.

Her philosophy of becoming the "CEO of Me" emphasizes self-leadership. Students should take ownership of their goals, identify the people and experiences they need, and develop a plan for reaching their aspirations.

Wanda stresses the importance of authenticity. She encourages young people to embrace their backgrounds and tell their own stories rather than allowing others to define who they are or what they can accomplish.

Drawing from her professional experiences, she describes three important forms of knowledge: street sense, work sense, and book sense. Together, they help individuals navigate life, education, and the workplace.

Reflecting on her college experience, Wanda explains how finding a supportive community helped her overcome insecurity and feelings of not belonging. Her message to students is that they should never underestimate their right to be in the room.

As a first-generation college student in her immediate family, she viewed education as a pathway to upward mobility. Over time, Wanda also came to recognize her responsibility to help others access similar opportunities.

In discussing her memoir, Wanda challenges the idea that the glass ceiling has been completely shattered. She believes progress requires continuing to break barriers while helping others advance through the opportunities that have been created.

Perseverance means continuing despite rejection. Wanda encourages students to avoid allowing a single "no" to determine their future and to keep pursuing their goals.

Her final call to action for educators, counselors, and school leaders is simple and powerful: "Expand your list of students you will mentor. There's never too many. Expand it and get to work."

College & Career Readiness Radio is brought to you by MaiaLearning, your fully comprehensive college and career planning tool. Schedule a demo today.

Our guest for this episode of College & Career Readiness Radio is Joanna de Peña, founder and CEO of Top Notch Scholars.

Joanna says one of the biggest misconceptions about college is that attending a prestigious four-year university guarantees success. Students need to understand that their character, work ethic, and commitment matter more than the name of the institution.

She says that fear of missing out (FOMO) creates tremendous pressure for students. Social media celebrations and college acceptance announcements can make students feel that community college or other pathways are somehow less valuable.

Joanna challenges educators and families to reconsider the language they use when discussing college options. Negative messages about community colleges and trade schools can influence students to make financially risky decisions.

The financial consequences can be significant. She shares examples of families using savings intended for homeownership to cover college tuition gaps, even when more affordable pathways are available.

Joanna believes schools should present students with the full range of postsecondary options, including community colleges, four-year universities, trade schools, and other programs, before encouraging them to make a decision.

College enrollment shouldn't be the only measure of success. Joanna argues that schools should pay greater attention to whether students complete their programs, graduate, and achieve their goals.

Joanna encourages families to compare financial aid packages carefully. Students can apply to their dream schools while remaining realistic about affordability, tuition gaps, and long-term debt.

Starting at a community college can be a smart financial strategy. Students may complete their first two years at little or no cost before transferring to a four-year institution to finish a bachelor's degree.

Joanna introduces another way to think about college savings. Families that avoid unnecessary tuition expenses may be able to redirect those funds toward savings, investments, or even a future home purchase.

Financial literacy should be part of the college planning process. Our guest wants students to understand how manageable debt, savings, credit, and financial decisions can influence their opportunities long after graduation.

Joanna encourages schools to celebrate every postsecondary pathway. Students pursuing community college, four-year degrees, technical training, or military service should all feel confident and supported in their decisions.

Beyond college applications, she reminds educators that students need opportunities to enjoy high school, participate in extracurricular activities, explore careers, complete internships, and develop relationships.

Joanna's final message is a reminder that students have multiple routes to a fulfilling future: "Success is yours, no matter what educational pathway you choose."

College & Career Readiness Radio is brought to you by MaiaLearning, your fully comprehensive college and career planning tool. Schedule a demo today.