OTAN invites nominations of California adult education learners who are successful as a result of the education received at adult education agencies for the California Adult Education Students Succeed program. The program honors outstanding students who are adults with significant life responsibilities, who have made positive contributions to the community, established and met life goals by attending an adult education program, improved the life situations of self and others, and overcome difficult circumstances in order to pursue adult learning experiences. The program recognizes the hard work that outstanding adult education students have completed in the pursuit of their personal, academic, and professional goals and aspirations.
You can read stories and watch videos from previous years by clicking on the Students tab. You can also explore stories from specific adult education agencies and programs by clicking on the Schools and Programs tabs. To learn how to nominate a student for the program and to submit an online nomination form, click on the Nomination tab.
Students Succeed Honoree: Jaime Castro
Jaime Vladimir Castro immigrated to the US from El Salvador in 2012 after waiting for residency for almost 13 years. Jaime started attending beginning level ESL classes at Mt. San Antonio College in the winter of 2013. While taking ESL classes, Jaime worked full-time as an assembly worker; however, once he improved his English skills, he secured a full-time job at Tyson Foods. In 2017, when Jaime completed the highest level of ESL, he enrolled in the VESL Career Paths Program, which prepares students to transition into credit courses by providing them with the English and computer skills necessary to succeed in college. The VESL Program also prepares students for better job opportunities by teaching them to write a cover letter and a resume as well as preparing them for job interviews.