SUCCESS!

Ricardo began with FXG Education Center in Phoenix in November of 2016 looking to improve his English language skills. He attended classes regularly, kept a positive attitude, and learned the English language as well as valuable computer skills.  

He participated in our STAR-aligned reading program and also earned his Arizona Career Readiness Credential (ACRC) along the way. His cheerful and caring nature helped him establish a good relationship with his fellow students and teachers. His hard work paid off, and in August of 2018, he graduated from our ELAA program and enrolled in GED test preparation classes in order to earn his high school equivalency (HSE) diploma. Before passing the GED exam, Ricardo volunteered in our school computer lab assisting new English language learners in navigating Burlington English and Rosetta Stone computer programs and learning basic computer skills. He served as inspiration to other students and helped them feel welcome in our school. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ricardo continued studying from home using online programs and took classes on Zoom with his HSE instructor. During the hard times of the pandemic, Ricardo successfully passed all the required tests and received his HSE diploma in January of 2021. 

Ricardo did not stop there; he continued his educational journey and completed the RISE UP Retail Integrated Education and Training (IET) program.  After a few weeks, he earned a Retail Industry Fundamentals Specialist Credential.  This credential helped Ricardo move up in his career pathway from his job as a chef to becoming a manager at a local restaurant.  Ricardo’s next goal is to enroll in college and earn his degree in business administration.  

Mohammad enrolled in our Phoenix education center in January 2018. He had emigrated to the US years ago and had recently moved to Phoenix from California. Mohammad wanted to take English classes and get help finding a good job. Due to his limited English proficiency, he had been working mostly general labor positions, but his dream job was a full-time position he enjoyed with benefits and good working conditions. After studying hard, attending classes regularly, and working on the online curriculum, he dramatically improved his English language skills and moved to GED preparation classes so he could earn his high school equivalency (HSE) diploma. 

Mohammad took advantage of STAR-aligned reading lessons to improve his vocabulary and reading comprehension. He also took The Arizona Career Readiness Credential (ACRC) courses and assessment and earned a Gold Level Certificate.  During this time, Mohammad became proficient in using Burlington English and Rosetta Stone language learning programs, so he readily helped us train new students during computer lab time. 

After passing his GED exam and earning his high school equivalency, Mohammad started attending our workforce partner ARIZONA@WORK’s career workshops and used many of their other career services.  Mohammad created a resume, wrote a compelling cover letter, learned about job interviews and attended job fairs.  In the meantime, he worked part-time at the local factory to make ends meet. 

The winter of 2020, Mohammad got a full-time position with benefits at the Department of Economic Security. Mohammad is very proud to accomplish his goals to improve his life and we are so thrilled that we could assist him in reaching his goals.