Empowering Potential. Building Careers.
Transforming Opportunities for Disadvantaged Youth Through the Eckerd Connects and Penn Foster Partnership
Eckerd Connects’ Mission
Eckerd Connects operates programs across multiple states, with a focus on Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding, YouthBuild initiatives, and workforce development programs. Their mission is to help young adults overcome barriers, access education, and achieve career success and stability. As part of this mission, Eckerd Connects sought a partner who could provide a flexible and supportive pathway to high school diploma completion and career preparation.
Transcript
So this is on the screen, this is Jacob. He came from he came into one of our offices with his grandmother, and he was looking for something different because he was really struggling with his schoolwork.
Jacob started working with our work readiness program, and he went to the program and he was really interested in how he was going to get a career pathway and and find a career that was really gonna help him in his future. He's from a very small county with very limited options.
And so he came into our program, and he still needed his high school diploma.
And so he worked with us for a couple months. And once he went through a couple months, he decided that he wanted to, finish his education pathway, that it would help him with his career pathway. So he enrolled into Penn Foster, and with his transfer credits, he was able to graduate with his high school diploma in about a three month time frame.
And with that finishing his diploma, he was able to go through one of our work experience programs and work as a tire technician in one of their local mechanic shops. So he was super excited about that, and he just gave us a quote. And he said, in school, I never got the help I needed. The Eckerd team, they actually help you every step of the way. The every question I have, they always had an answer to to help me with my school work. And when I did not understand something, I am so happy to be a high school graduate, and I cannot wait to see what my future holds as a mechanic. So that's Jacob.
Penn Foster’s Approach
Penn Foster, established as one of the first distance-learning programs more than 130 years ago, leverages its innovative online platform to deliver high-quality, scalable education. The program is designed to cater to diverse learning needs, offering a wide range of high school diploma programs, career pathways, and stackable credentials. Together, Eckerd Connects and Penn Foster have formed a robust partnership to serve disadvantaged youth with tailored educational solutions.
Challenges Addressed
- Barriers to Traditional Education.
Many students entering Eckerd Connects programs had dropped out of traditional schools due to academic, economic, or personal challenges. Traditional GED pathways often proved inadequate for their unique circumstances, requiring a more flexible and personalized educational model. - Economic Constraints.
Disadvantaged youth often prioritize immediate employment over education to meet financial obligations. This can often lead to a cycle of low-wage jobs without opportunities for upward mobility provided by higher education. - Retention and Completion Issues.
Eckerd Connects faced challenges in ensuring that students stayed on track to complete their high school diplomas while juggling work and personal responsibilities.
The Eckerd Connects and Penn Foster Solution
Flexible Learning Models Penn Foster’s online platform allows students to access coursework anytime, anywhere—whether on a mobile phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop. This flexibility is especially critical for students balancing jobs, family obligations, or other commitments. For example, students who work during the day can study in the evenings or on weekends.
Customized Pathways to Success Eckerd Connects utilizes a two-week work readiness period to assess each student’s strengths, weaknesses, and career aspirations. Based on this assessment, students are enrolled in Penn Foster programs tailored to their individual goals, including:
- High School Diploma: Students can transfer previously earned credits, significantly reducing the time required for completion.
- Career Preparation: Penn Foster’s programs integrate stackable credentials and industry-recognized certifications, preparing students for immediate employment in fields such as healthcare, manufacturing, and skilled trades.
Supportive Ecosystem Eckerd Connects employs dedicated career coaches and instructors who work closely with learners to provide personalized guidance and ongoing support at their in-person centers. These career coaches and instructors help learners navigate academic and career-related challenges, keeping them motivated and on track. The learning centers not only serve as a hub for academic instruction but also offer a collaborative space where students can connect, share ideas, and work together in a safe, supportive, and focused environment. This sense of community fosters peer-to-peer learning and helps build confidence, creating a nurturing atmosphere that encourages growth and success on every level.
Measuring Impact
Employment Outcomes The education component proved to be a game-changer for the young adults Eckerd Connects serves. Kim Grey, the operations director at Eckerd Workforce Services explained, “as they analyzed the local job services, it became clear that 90% of available jobs required qualifications that 75% of their learners didn’t have.” Many of them lacked a high school diploma or the educational background needed to even apply for those positions. This severely limited Eckerd Connects’ ability to place them in meaningful roles.
Eckerd Connects’ ultimate goal with workforce services has always been to ensure long-term employment and retention—tracking whether participants are still employed in the second and fourth quarters after completing their program, which spans an entire year. However, they found a troubling trend: many participants were switching jobs frequently within that timeframe and struggling to find stability.
By integrating education into their approach, they’ve been able to place young adults in jobs that align with their interests and career goals. This shift has had a remarkable impact. Retention rates have significantly improved because the learners are now equipped with the qualifications needed for sustainable employment in positions they’re passionate about.
Benefits of the Partnership
- Fast-Track Graduation
Penn Foster can speed up the diploma completion process by evaluating transcripts and allowing credit transfers which means the average time to earn a high school diploma is between three and four months in the program*. This is a game-changer since it allows learners to quickly meet the educational requirements and progress into the job market. - Stackable Credentials for Career Advancement
Students can gain certifications and training in fields that relate to manufacturing, healthcare basics, or other vocational skills, giving them an edge in the job market. These credentials are often earned concurrently with their high school diplomas, ensuring a seamless transition to the workforce. This education can allow for higher retention rates at jobs after program completion. - Increased Accessibility and Engagement
With tools like ReadSpeaker for translation and subject-specific tutoring, learners receive the support they need to succeed. Additionally, the platform’s mobile-friendly design ensures that even those without traditional computer access can participate fully. - Community Collaboration
Eckerd Connects collaborates with local employers to create work-based learning opportunities. This includes internships, apprenticeships, and job placements aligned with students’ career goals.
Lessons Learned and Recommendations
- Holistic Support is Crucial.
A comprehensive approach that includes education, career preparation, and personal development ensures that students are equipped to overcome barriers and succeed long-term. - Flexibility Drives Engagement.
Providing students with the ability to learn at their own pace and schedule increases retention and completion rates. Flexibility is especially important for those balancing work or family responsibilities. - Strong Partnerships Yield Better Outcomes.
Eckerd Connects’ long-standing relationship with Penn Foster demonstrates the power of collaboration in creating meaningful change. By working together, they’ve developed a model that addresses both educational and workforce needs.
Every Young Person Can Achieve a Brighter Future
The Eckerd Connects and Penn Foster partnership exemplifies how innovative education solutions can create and transform opportunities for disadvantaged youth. By offering flexible, career-focused learning pathways, the program helps students reach academic milestones while preparing for sustainable employment and economic mobility.
As workforce needs evolve, this partnership serves as a blueprint for organizations looking to empower underserved populations. Together, Eckerd Connects and Penn Foster demonstrate that with the right resources and support, every young person can achieve a brighter future. Watch the full webinar hosted by Eckerd Connects’ Kim Grey and Penn Foster’s Dan Budzyn.
Student Success Stories
Try as he might – and he tried tirelessly by taking extra classes, enrolling in summer school, and even seeking the help of a tutor – Israel just couldn’t pass his high school math requirements. Although he walked with his classmates, he did not graduate. But on June 27, everything changed. "I’m a YouthBuild graduate. I’m proud to say that now," Israel said while addressing fellow members of the 2024 Phoenix Rising YouthBuild graduating class. “We all face our own struggles and walk our own personal paths, which led to this moment.” Those paths led Israel and 28 others to the culmination of the 20-week, award-winning program. Israel’s sister, who graduated from the program in 2022, encouraged him to take part.
Of the many "lessons and words of wisdom" Israel learned during his time in the program, one that stuck with him came from Mark Seymour, Habitat's construction instructor. Seymour told his students, “Nothing in this world can be handed to you. You’ve got to get up and get it yourself.”
Though the opportunity wasn’t handed to him, Israel said he was grateful for the second chance he was given. “I couldn’t have been more blessed. With so much help and so many opportunities from this amazing group of coaches and mentors, I took in everything I could. I wasn’t going to mess up again. And look at me now,” he said. “I hope I can speak for everyone in this room when I say a big 'thank you' to all the amazing staff who were there every step of the way, guiding and mentoring us to become better versions of ourselves.”
Israel is now thriving in a Paid Work Experience in Manufacturing/Fabrication with DK Construction Design LLC.
- Israel R
Frances is a young woman who entered the program with her father, seeking resources to improve her life. She currently works hard at Taco Bell, but she doesn’t want to stay there. Frances dreams of building a career in the medical field. She decided to complete the Eckerd Workforce Development Program and has earned her SafeStaff Food Handler and AHLEI Front Desk certifications. She is now looking forward to participating in a Paid Work Experience. Frances is also excited to be enrolled in Penn Foster to earn her high school diploma. With the support of her Career Coach, she is ready to make a plan for her future in the medical field.
- Frances B
Jacob came to the office with his grandmother, looking for something different because he was struggling with schoolwork. He began working on his Work Readiness Training as soon as he entered the program. After receiving his Career Pathway Certificates, Jacob enrolled in Penn Foster to earn his high school diploma. I’m incredibly proud of him. He graduated in less than three months. Jacob is now preparing to start a Paid Work Experience at a tire shop in Levy County and is excited to learn more about becoming a mechanic.
- Jacob S
Shane is a young man who initially entered the Young Adult Program not really wanting to be there, but determined to show people that he could succeed. Shane struggled at first, but once he realized that everything his old dean had told him was not true, he began reaching for the stars. While in the program, Shane enrolled in Penn Foster to work toward earning his high school diploma. He set a goal to graduate in 2024 and was determined to make it happen. Despite facing many challenges, including his mom moving away and limited transportation to the office, Shane was committed to reaching his goal. He got rides from friends and came in whenever he could. I saw a light in him that kept getting brighter. He successfully completed all his credits and graduated on August 2, 2024, with a big smile on his face. Shane is now ready to start working with his dad on the boat to save money for college, where he hopes to become a welder. Shane said, “Yes, it was hard to make it happen, but I’m proud that I did. I would recommend this program to anyone looking for a second chance because if I can do it, you can do it. Eckerd Connects really helped me reach my goals, and I am so thankful for that.”
- Shane B
*Based on average completion times of 125 Eckerd Connects learners enrolled in Penn Foster High School in 2023.