Lauren sits down with Haley, an Ashworth College graduate and this year’s Graduate of the Year winner, to chat about his journey. Haley talks to us about why he chose to get his criminal justice degree from Ashworth, what it was like going to college online, and how he landed his first job out of college as a paralegal. He tells us how he stayed motivated, set goals, and made frequent use of Ashworth's learner resources. Plus, he offers some great advice for anyone thinking about going back to school and talks about what’s next for him—including applying to law school!

Interested in criminal justice? Learn more about Ashworth's BS in Criminal Justice:
https://www.ashworthcollege.edu/bachelors-degrees/online-criminal-justice-degree/

Read our interview with Haley on the Ashworth blog:
https://www.ashworthcollege.edu/blog/2024-ashworth-college-online-graduate-interview/

Interview with Ashworth College Graduate of the Year Winner, Haley Yegorov

Is it too late to go back to school as an adult? Jess and Jenny break down what it’s really like to return to school later in life. They discuss the challenges adult learners face, share study and time management tips, and offer words of encouragement to help you stay motivated. Plus, hear inspiring stories from graduates who have successfully earned their diplomas and degrees at any age. If you’re considering furthering your education, this episode is for you!

Go back to school at any age:
https://www.pennfoster.edu/high-school/for-adults

Got questions about returning to high school as an adult? We've got answers!
https://www.pennfoster.edu/blog/going-back-to-school-as-an-adult-faqs

Should You Go Back to School as an Adult? What You Need to Know!

Jenny, Jess, and Dr. Andy Shean discuss how AI and LLM (language learning models) can be used in education to help students and teachers. They get into how AI could be an affordable tutor, but that it is somewhat unreliable and to be cautious. 

Graduation 2025 FAQ: https://www.pennfoster.edu/why-penn-foster/learning/graduation

Are AI Tutors the Future of Equitable Learning?

We talk with college freshman and JMHS graduate Beth Dusenkova about her international high school experience and how it prepared her for college. She shares how her mental health struggles were the catalyst for her pursuing her high school diploma online. And Beth gives us insights on the differences between American and Slovakian high schools, gushes about her two cats, and talks about her future plans with the Czech police force.

Graduation 2025 FAQ: https://www.pennfoster.edu/why-penn-foster/learning/graduation

Interview with JMHS Alum & 2024 Grad of the Year Finalist Beth Dusenkova

Lauren talks with Pam Ward and Theresa Sinkevich, two of Penn Foster's medical assistant program instructors.

Learn more about the program here:
https://www.pennfoster.edu/programs/healthcare/medical-assistant-career-diploma

Graduation 2025 FAQ:
https://www.pennfoster.edu/why-penn-foster/learning/graduation


(Almost) Everything You Need to Know About Becoming a Medical Assistant

Get ready to walk across the stage and receive your diploma, degree, or certificate at Penn Foster Group's Graduation 2025 commencement and celebration! This episode contains all the info you need to register for graduation, get tickets for your friends and fam, and everything else you need to know before you go!

When: August 16, 2025
Where: Gas South Arena in Duluth, GA

Find more info on our FAQ: https://www.pennfoster.edu/why-penn-foster/learning/graduation

Graduation 2025 is Coming... Are You Ready?

Lauren talks with Penn Foster High School English instructor Danielle Cooper all about teaching reading comprehension in high school, our favorite books, and why students need more, not fewer, assigned pages.

Join the conversation! Like, comment, and subscribe to Fostering Conversations: A Penn Foster Podcast and never miss an episode!

Learn more about our high school program: https://www.pennfoster.edu/high-school

Want info about Graduation 2025? Here's the FAQ: https://www.pennfoster.edu/why-penn-foster/learning/graduation

Reading is What? Fundamental! Let's Talk About Why You Read So Much in High School with Danielle Cooper

Jess and Jenny discuss mental health matters in this replay of May's Facebook Live. When you feel anxious, depressed, or lost in your life, things can feel hopeless. You are not alone, and there are tons of resources--including many listed below--if you need help. Jess and Jenny talk about how to combat those pesky thoughts that make us feel like we aren't good enough. 

We are not mental health experts. Here are some great resources if you are looking for someone to talk to or get more information:

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, confidential, free, 24/7/365 help is available.

Call or text 988
Chat at https://988lifeline.org/
TTY users can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988

More resources can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/mental-health/caring/index.html#cdc_caring_for_yourself_and_others_resources-resources

Take Care of Yourself: Let's Talk About Mental Health with Jess and Jenny

Lauren chats with Jesie Davenport, a team lead in the pharmacy technician program at Penn Foster! Jesie fills us in on everything we need to know about becoming a pharm tech: how the program works, externships, exams, and more!

Read more about Penn Foster's Pharmacy Technician Program: https://www.pennfoster.edu/programs/healthcare/pharmacy-technician-career-diploma

Let's Talk About the Pharmacy Technician Program with Jesie Davenport!

It's officially graduation season, so let's celebrate! Lauren is joined by Des to talk about all things graduation: not just the who-what-when-and-where, but also WHY you should attend! Let's celebrate your huge success together! 

Register by July 18 so you don't miss out! 

🎓Register here: https://www.huddlearea.com/pfg-registration/

👨🏻‍🎓Registration FAQ: https://www.huddlearea.com/pfg-registration/faqs/

❓Need help or have questions? Email us: gradsupport@pennfoster.edu

🖊Sign this year's yearbook!: https://yearbook.kudoboard.com/boards/DwTdWdH6/pfhs2023

We can't wait to see you on August 16! You did it! 🎉

Let Your Light Shine! Let's Talk About Graduation 2025! It's Here!

This week, I sit down with Annie Littrell, Penn Foster's Diversity Officer, to talk about DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion). She shares insights on DEI in education, accessibility, and leveling the playing field. So, how can we work towards making sure everyone feels included and valued at school and work? Let's get into it! 
Recommended reading for this episode: 
Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson 
Hood Feminism: Notes from the Women White Feminists Forgot by Mikki Kendall 
Mutual Aid: Building Solidarity During this Crisis (and the Next) by Dean Spade 
DEI Deconstructed: Your No-Nonsense Guide to Doing the Work and Doing It Right by Lily Zheng 
<a href="https://pennfosterinc-my.sharepoint.com/:w:/g/personal/lambrosio_pennfoster_edu/ESu2jHAWE3pOkfeUfapMivgBrRjQumebhtpEYOyBSuYtfw?e=azFR5M">View/download the transcript</a>

Mixing It Up: Let's Talk About Diversity with Annie Littrell

The official podcast for Penn Foster, Ashworth College, James Madison High School, The New York Institute of Art & Design, and The New York Institute of Photography.