When Joshua returned to college as a working parent, he knew it wouldn’t be easy. Between two part-time jobs, full-time classes at Fox Valley Technical College, and raising two school-aged children, his days were packed. But for Josh, determination and heart were never in short supply.
“I was looking for options to assist with funding my education because, as a returning adult student with a family, I was very concerned about how I could afford to attend college and maintain my academics while working and helping to support my family,” Josh explained. “I was exploring any and all available options to me, including applying for scholarships, and so I followed through with enrolling with the WIOA programming.”
Finding the Right Support
Through a financial advisor at FVTC, Josh learned about the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program offered by Forward Service Corporation. The program provides education and training support for people looking to improve their career opportunities, and for Josh, it came at the perfect time.
His FSC Career Planner, Erika, worked closely with him to design a plan that balanced his financial needs, academic goals, and family responsibilities.
“My experience with Erika has been wonderful from the beginning,” Josh shared. “She’s been incredibly knowledgeable about different opportunities within the WIOA programming that would best fit my current situation. She would follow up to make sure everything was going well, check in to make sure I was scheduling my monthly follow-ups, and promptly deliver crucial forms and paperwork that I would need to successfully continue WIOA programming each semester.”
Balancing Work, Life, and Education
Josh’s biggest challenge was balancing it all: work, school, and family. “The biggest challenge for me was striking a work-academic-life balance,” he said. “I can truly say that the WIOA program helped tremendously in this regard. Due to having tuition assistance, I didn’t have as urgent of a need to work as many hours while maintaining my academic coursework.”
That support allowed him to focus on quality, not just survival. “Because of this financial assistance, I could focus on my schooling and delivering quality work for my professors. I could meaningfully engage with the content of my classes instead of viewing my assignments as ‘another box to check,’ which has helped me flourish.”
Turning Opportunity into Achievement
With tuition assistance covering key costs, Josh had the flexibility to explore meaningful opportunities, including a summer internship with the State of Wisconsin. That experience turned into a full-time position as a Treatment Specialist at the Drug Abuse Correctional Center in Winnebago County, even before graduation.
“As a direct result of my internship, I decided that a career in state service was a great opportunity for myself and my family,” Josh said. “I currently work at the Drug Abuse Correctional Center doing a job that is directly relevant to my schooling for my associate degree, and I couldn’t be happier.”
Building a Career with Purpose
Josh’s dream has always been to make a difference. “My dream, in pursuing education as an adult student, was twofold,” he said. “First, it was to allow myself to pursue employment that mattered to me, a career that amounted to more than simply punching a clock on a daily basis. Secondly, my dream was to find stability in employment, and to work a job that was not only meaningful but wasn’t always demanding for me to sacrifice time with my family.”
Through dedication and the support of the WIOA program, Josh achieved both. He’s now building his career in Substance Disorder Counseling, with plans to continue his education toward a bachelor’s and then a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling.
Paying It Forward
Before enrolling, Josh remembers feeling “majorly stressed out, financially anxious,” and uncertain if he could finish school. After finding support through FSC, that anxiety lifted. “It felt like a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders,” he said. “I knew that everything would work out, and that I would be successful in my schooling. I felt immense gratitude for being afforded this opportunity.”
Josh now encourages other students to explore programs like WIOA. “I truly wish more people knew about the benefits programs like this offer to students who are struggling to make ends meet,” he said. “I’ve told as many of my peers about this assistance because it has been so incredibly impactful for me and my family. I believe that everyone deserves to be able to engage with their education without being stressed about keeping their lights on at home or paying their mortgages or rent. This program has truly been a game-changer for me.”
About the WIOA Program
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program, provided by Forward Service Corporation, provides funding and career planning to help individuals gain the education and skills needed for in-demand jobs. From tuition assistance to career guidance, WIOA supports students like Josh in reaching their professional dreams and achieving long-term stability.
To learn more or find out if you’re eligible, visit fsc-corp.org/WIOA.
WIOA in this area made possible by the Fox Valley Workforce Development Board.
