When it comes to higher education, no two stories are alike. This rang true during our recent Mission Moment: Non-traditional Success Stories, where panelists shared their candid experiences with life after high school. From academic suspensions to gap years and even an eviction, last week’s conversation highlighted the heart of College Now’s mission: the path to a degree is rarely a straight line, but with the right support, every detour can lead to a destination.
Earl Roberts III, a current Tri-C Say Yes scholar, began his journey at Cleveland State University. After a first year defined by struggle, Earl realized he needed to step back and work on himself. Following a year-long break, he enrolled at Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C), determined not to repeat the past. The difference this time was a dedicated Say Yes coach who helped him polish his time-management skills and kept him accountable. Not only is Earl now an honor roll student, he is also the president of a peer-mentoring group he helped start on campus. For Earl, the support system was life-changing: “Say Yes is not just a safety net, it’s a family.”
Joshua Hill, senior engagement officer at moCa, was introduced to College Now as a high school student, eventually earning a full-ride scholarship to college. However, his college years were marked by significant personal and academic hurdles, including a period of eviction and academic suspension. Today, Joshua is a leader in Cleveland’s arts community with an MBA he earned in just nine months. He credits his success to the “muscles” built during his nine-year undergraduate journey and the consistent presence of a College Now mentor, noting “The power of mentorship doesn’t throw the book at you; it sits you down and shows you how to read it.”
De’Antae Ware, director, Tri-C Say Yes Scholars Program, has been a support system for scholars since 2019. As a catalyst of the Tri-C Say Yes program, De’Antae saw early on that students need more than just financial aid— they need a foundation of support and connection. His team of coaches provides the wraparound support that bridges the gap between enrollment and graduation, proving that consistent investment in students propels them to success.
Phil Wallace, director, Adult Programs & Services at College Now, works specifically with adult learners—those with a gap between high school and college. He approaches every student as a unique case, noting that “when you’ve met one non-traditional learner, you’ve met one non-traditional learner.” His team works deep in the community to ensure that individuals of all ages know it is never too late to find the right path for their career goals.
The panelists were candid about the mental and emotional toll of falling behind in college. Earl shared that his drive at Tri-C comes from a place of deep responsibility, stating “If I make the same mistakes, not only will I fail my mother and brother, I will also fail myself.” For him, the Say Yes program was the “family environment” that made his current success possible.
Joshua’s story echoed this need for community. Even when things were at their worst—facing eviction and academic failure—he found a way back through the support of his family, his wife and the College Now Resource Center. He reminds us that the struggle itself is often the very thing that prepares you for high-level success later in life.
At College Now, we believe every student deserves a support system that stays with them when things get difficult. Whether it is a scholarship that removes a financial barrier or a mentor who helps a student “read the book” of their own potential, our goal is to help every learner—traditional or otherwise—finish what they started. We’re grateful to our panelists who truly bring our mission to life—carrying our values forward and demonstrating, through their own journeys, that everyone has the potential to achieve their dreams.