Traditional school for Matthew was challenging. In middle school, students would often pick on him. He tried hard to avoid these situations and instead focused on himself and his education, but it was always a difficult distraction. He was ready to start fresh in traditional high school, but then felt held back from opportunities that he wanted to explore such as being employed and attending college simultaneously.
His two siblings had graduated from Learn4Life, so Matthew was familiar with our programs and services, such as the college dual enrollment program and a flexible schedule. He knew it would help him fulfill his goals, so he decided to enroll at Learn4Life in his sophomore year.
At Learn4Life, Matthew was able to get a semester ahead and complete 12 college units. The ability to work on his own schedule and learn at his own pace allowed him the added freedom to pursue other interests.
He joined the Police Explorers program and worked both full-time and part-time jobs at various times until his graduation. The Learn4Life program suited him well since he wanted to work and earn money while in school. Matthew believed it was important for him to pay his own way and to show his parents that he had both the ability and the willingness to work.
Now a Learn4Life graduate, Matthew works part-time for the city and attends his local community college. He is proud to help support his family financially and credits the staff at Learn4Life for helping him do that. He plans to pursue a career in law enforcement and eventually hopes to work for the federal government with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
“Learn4Life many staff members really pushed me to succeed, to focus on school and graduate. I’m in a good spot in my life right now with the help of Learn4Life.”