With the help of the programs, I was able to better my life and achieve a lifelong dream.
Janice is living proof that it’s never too late to follow your dreams. A single grandmother living in rural Wisconsin, Janice had always dreamed of becoming a nurse, but life’s responsibilities pulled her in other directions. She worked as a nursing assistant for years, raising her family and working part-time. In her 50s, she made a bold decision: to go back to school and earn her Practical Nursing degree.
In May 2025, that dream became a reality—Janice graduated from Fox Valley Technical College as a Licensed Practical Nurse.
Overcoming Barriers as an Adult Learner
Returning to school as an older student wasn’t easy. Janice had to balance work, study, and long travel days—driving over 115 miles round-trip, four days a week, just to attend classes in Appleton. Cutting back on work to make time for studying also took a financial toll.
“I was not confident, not sure if I was making the right decision going back,” Janice said. “But I wanted to prove to myself and my grandchildren that if you want something in life, you have to work for it.”
That determination—combined with the right support—carried her through.
How WIOA Helped Janice Reach Her Career Goals
Through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program offered by Forward Service Corporation, Janice received the financial assistance she needed to make her dream a reality.
WIOA helped cover:
- Tuition and testing fees
- Mileage reimbursement for her daily commute
- Monthly bill support so she could focus on school instead of worrying about making ends meet
“I wanted to go back to school but felt I could not afford to,” she shared. “WIOA helped support me by paying mileage for my travels back and forth to school. With the help of the programs, I was able to better my life and achieve a lifelong dream.”
Janice also credits her career planner, Erika, for her success. “From the start, if I had questions or needed anything, she was always available,” Janice says. “I had all the support from her, and she cheered me on the entire way.”
Graduating with Grit and Gratitude
Janice didn’t just earn her LPN credential—she earned a powerful sense of pride and self-worth. “It could be the hardest thing in life, but the reward is worth everything you sacrificed to get it,” she reflected.
In May 2025, Janice not only graduated from her program, but also secured employment as a Licensed Practical Nurse. Her story stands as an inspiring reminder that perseverance, support, and a strong work ethic can make anything possible.
“I heard a saying: you’re never too old to learn—and I agree with that statement.” — Janice
Explore Career Training Support Through WIOA
If you’re ready to return to school, build new skills, or move into a new career path, WIOA can help. Whether you’re a recent high school graduate or an older adult learner like Janice, FSC’s WIOA services provide career planning, tuition assistance, and support for job seekers who want to transform their futures.
Learn more about WIOA services and start your own journey today.
WIOA made possible by the Fox Valley Workforce Development Board.
