Yaphet Hightower

Visalia Adult School

Nominated in 2025

Yaphet Hightower enrolled at Visalia Adult School in December of 2024 with the goal of earning his High School Equivalency. He got a job working night shifts in a factory, and rides his bike from work to make it to our daytime class. He also suffers from a heart condition for which he is occasionally hospitalized. He is navigating the healthcare system in order to diagnose and find treatment for his illness.

However, since enrolling, Yaphet has been a shining example of a student with a strong internal “motor”. He has clear goals, dogged determination, and is resilient in the face of setbacks. One would think Yaphet has had a structured life thus far that has taught him such values; but after Yaphet shared his story with me, I learned that this is a case of a young man who has come back from adverse and grim circumstances.

Between the ages of 14 and 23, Yaphet was using illegal drugs. His addiction led him to drop out of high school, and eventually, become homeless. Yaphet shared he slept in parks or at the local Rescue Mission, eventually setting up camp in front of a local business, “Frank’s Appliance Store.” After years of legal consequences, Yaphet was eventually arrested and sent to prison.

It was in prison that Yaphet had a chance to reflect, and with the safety and distance from his life on the street, he was able to open his mind to the possibility of a life beyond that. With God now in his heart, Yaphet decided he would not let his past be a crutch to keep him down. His motto: “Life is what you make it.”

Yaphet is now 15-months clean from drugs, and has officially completed his 11-year probation sentence. Since being out of prison, he has earned three work certifications, has a valid Driver’s License, and has passed four out of his five HiSET exams thus far. He now has his own place - and with the help of a community program, received a brand new refrigerator from Frank’s Appliance Store (the owner had tears in his eyes after recognizing Yaphet as the young man who had once been sleeping in front of his store.)

Along with attending class and studying, Yaphet is active in his church and in the community - most recently joining a group of volunteers to pass out bottled water in a nearby community when their potable water became contaminated. He serves as a positive role model to his classmates, encouraging others and promoting a growth mindset.

After he finishes his final test and becomes a graduate, Yaphet will be eligible for promotion at work. However, he wishes to look for a better job; and eventually, attend college to study Business. He is connected to our school Navigator who will assist him in enrolling in college courses.

Yaphet has regarded Adult Education as the direct cause of his life’s improvement. He credits his success to our positive classroom environment, along with supportive peers and nonjudgmental staff members. Many of his classmates have cited Yaphet as an inspiration. Due to his tremendous academic achievements and positive contributions, Yaphet has been selected for a student award and asked to speak at our upcoming Adult Education Celebration event.

This note from Yaphet's Career Counselor/ECO Project in Visalia:

When I first met Yaphet, he had been experiencing homelessness for several years and was residing at the Visalia Rescue Mission. He enrolled in the Sequoia Community Corps job training program, acquiring valuable work experience, and a Section 8 referral was submitted on his behalf. Now, with support from CSET’s housing department, Yaphet was able to secure stable housing. He then secured employment and transitioned out of the corps. Unfortunately, when that employment ended unexpectedly, he once again faced housing instability.

Determined not to lose the progress he had made, Yaphet connected with CSET’s Workforce Development Department at the VEC and learned about the ECO program. He fully engaged in workshops focused on career exploration, financial literacy, interview skills, and resume development. With a renewed sense of confidence, Yaphet also enrolled in the GED program at Visalia Adult School to broaden his long-term opportunities.

Yaphet was proud to share that he officially graduated and received his General Education Diploma during the Visalia Adult School ceremony on May 30th! Shortly after, he completed his ECO Level-1 transitional job contract on June 1st. Through a recent job connect meeting, Yaphet was introduced to a new employment opportunity with E&E Foods—a connection made possible by EDD Workforce Services, who facilitated the introduction to the employer. Yaphet has since accepted the position and is excited to head off to Alaska within the next couple of weeks.

Yaphet’s journey is a true testament to perseverance and the power of coordinated support. It highlights what’s possible when we meet individuals where they are and provide the tools they need to succeed. A heartfelt thank you to every agency and partner who played a role in supporting Yaphet along the way—your collective efforts have helped change a life.