The tenacity and academic diligence of students enrolled in Northland Pioneer College’s College and Career Preparation (CCP) programs paid off for twenty-nine students who were recognized for their achievements in a ceremony held on May 15 at the Performing Arts Center at the Snowflake campus.
These brave, hard-working students have proven that it is never too late to build a brighter future for yourself and your family.
NPC’s College and Career Preparation (CCP) department offers comprehensive academic support for those preparing for the GED® exam or exploring alternative pathways to earn their HSE. Obtaining an HSE diploma unlocks opportunities for further education, better job prospects, and increased earning potential.
One of the students, Danielle Teague, finished her HSE in March. She is now taking her first college-level classes at NPC this summer. She plans to study literature and creative writing. She spoke during the program. “I spent many years wrestling back and forth with going back to school to earn my HSE,” she said. “I had almost given up on going back until I came to NPC.”
Teague was homeschooled, and her mother didn’t have the resources necessary to teach her. Eventually, she gave up schooling to work and help provide for her family. “I became a mother and a homemaker and felt like that was pretty much it. I focused on my family and didn’t think an education was meant for me,” she said. “But there remained this nagging feeling that I wanted to do more. I wanted to be more. I would shove the feeling down.” She confided, “In reality, I was doubtful of myself, of my abilities, and was afraid of failure.”
When Teague realized her son would be graduating from high school and that her daughter and youngest son would soon follow, she said, “I asked myself, who am I going to be when they are all grown up? What am I going to do with my life? I wanted to show my kids that it’s never too late to go back and fix something. That it’s never too late to follow your dreams.” She admitted, “It wasn’t always easy. But nothing worth having will ever be easy. You appreciate it more the more sweat you put into it,” she said. As a parent with a slew of responsibilities and a lack of time, NPC allowed Teague the flexibility she needed. “I could stay home and attend classes,” she explained. “I was able to choose classes depending on when I was available to take them, and I studied during the pockets of free time I had. Today, I am proud to say that the hard work and dedication have paid off. This certificate is more than just a piece of paper with my name on it.” She explained, “It’s a key. A key to unlock doors that I otherwise wouldn’t have been able to. It’s a key to the future that I want for myself.” She stressed, “To anyone who might be doubtful and afraid to take a chance on yourself. Afraid to fail. Go for it. It’s never too late to get your education and go for your dreams. The only way you will fail is if you never try... You'll find a way.”
Among the HSE graduates, seven students were also recognized for completing NPC’s Integrated Education Technology (IET) program and earning their HSE at the same time. This was the second NPC class to complete the program. NPC’s ITE program was made possible by a generous $102,000 grant from the Del E. Webb Foundation. It is designed to help students build basic entry-level career readiness skills to prepare for certification as either nursing assistants (CNAs) or earn construction certification. All while completing their high school equivalency at the same time. Students also learn time management, how to write a resume, and other valuable workforce preparation skills. The Nursing Assistant (NAT-IET) program is offered at NPC’s Show Low and Winslow campus locations and the Whiteriver Center. The newly launched construction IET program is available in Whiteriver.
In addition to recognizing the outstanding achievements of the HSE and IET graduates, NPC celebrated the induction of 16 deserving students into the National Adult Education Honor Society. Honorees are selected by NPC’s CCP faculty and staff. Inductees are students who have demonstrated dedication in their studies, going above and beyond in their commitment to their academic goals.
For those interested in obtaining an HSE (GED®) or enrolling in the IET pathways or college and career preparation courses, NPC is currently enrolling students for the fall 2025 semester. Visit www.npc.edu/ged and speak or visit with an academic advisor to enroll. For more information on NPC’s College and Career Preparation (CCP) department and offerings, contact Tabitha Stickel at (928) 289-6535 or email Tabitha.Stickel@npc.edu.
