Rayschelle was proud when her sister earned a high school diploma, but the experience of seeing a younger sibling graduate reminded her that she needed to address some unfinished business.

“I dropped out my senior year after I got pregnant, and I always knew I needed to go back to be a good example for my son,” Rayschelle said. “But when my sister graduated, I couldn’t help but think ‘that should be me, too.’ It was clear that it was something I really had to do.”

Fortunately for Rayschelle, the state of Indiana had recently launched its free, online Workforce Diploma Program aimed at people just like her.

It wasn’t always easy, though.

“My worst subject is math, and there were times that I told myself ‘I just can’t do it,’” Rayschelle said. “But I had some really great teachers and some really great academic coaches helping me through it.”

Now, Rayschelle is a high school graduate.

“I felt great when I got my diploma,” she said. “I just kept thinking, ‘I did it. I really did it.’”

She’s not stopping there. Her next goal is to earn a degree in nursing.

For now, she is working at an assisted care facility. “I feel good about that work but it’s not what I want to do in the long-term. I want to be a nurse, and I am a lot more confident now that is something I can achieve.”

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Graduation Alliance partners with school districts, workforce agencies and various other organizations to help create alternative paths for individuals who need flexibility and support to earn a diploma. We understand each student needs an individual pathway to graduation and we are here to help. Click here for more information.