“There were a lot of stressful days, but one less stress was the financial part, so I knew I had to finish.”

On June 3, 2023, Goodwin University held its commencement ceremonies on Dunkin’ Field in Hartford, Connecticut. Among the over 300 graduates, four students earned their associate degrees in Human Services through the SNAP Employment and Training (SNAP E&T) program at Goodwin University.

The SNAP E&T program allows those who are currently receiving SNAP benefits to take certain Goodwin University programs for free. This important program allows those in underserved communities to build their skills and training to find meaningful and rewarding employment.

We spoke with three of the four SNAP E&T graduates to learn more about their journeys toward earning their associate degree in Human Services.*

*Goodwin has decided to tell these stories without using names. We thank these graduates for sharing their stories.

Mom of Three Goes Back to School 20 Years After Graduating High School.

The first student we spoke to is a mother of three children. She learned about the SNAP E&T program after receiving a postcard in the mail. She was interested in earning her associate degree in Human Services because of the affordability. “I took full advantage and didn’t let anyone stop me from completing this opportunity,” she says.

Going back to college after so many years out of school is challenging, but this student rose to meet those challenges. “My first couple of semesters, I had a 4.0, and I never had anything less than a 3.7,” she adds, “not bad for a mom of three and being out of high school for so long.”

A variety of programs are available to students through the SNAP Employment and Training program. Students can choose from the following:

• Bookkeeping
• CNC Manufacturing
• Human Services
• Mechatronics
• Medical Office Administrative Assistant
• Security Guard Certification
• Welding Technology

Human Services is the only associate degree program offered in the SNAP E&T program, with limited seats available each year. When asked why she chose Human Services, this graduate noted, “I just want to help people be a better version of themselves.” Because of her hard work and determination to finish, she graduated this month with her associate degree in Human Services, ready to start a career helping others.

“I promised my father I would go back to school.”

The second student we spoke to was furloughed from her job during the Covid-19 pandemic. Frustrated when cutbacks led to her not being called back to work, she found the motivation she needed to go back to school. “I started school years ago. I was going for medical assisting. I was a single mother with four children going through a rough time, so I had to stop school,” she says.

After promising her father she would return to school someday, she wanted to keep her word after he passed away. That promise, as well as losing her employment during the pandemic, was the motivation she needed to go back to school and gain the skills she needed for a more secure career.

When asked why she chose to study Human Services, she reflected on her experiences as someone in need of services. “I remember how I felt when I had my back up against a wall with no support.” She continued, “I want to be that hope for the next single mom who is homeless and feels they have nowhere to turn to.”

Since graduating with her AS in Human Services, she plans to work with people going through similar circumstances to those she endured as a single mother experiencing homelessness. She hopes to pursue her bachelor’s degree in Human Services at Goodwin University. In addition to her personal academic achievements, she is set to watch her two youngest children, twins, graduate high school this month. Her daughters will be leaving to begin their own college journeys this fall. As a grandmother and mother, she is serving as an example for two generations of future leaders and change-makers in her family.

“This was the best decision I’ve ever made.”

The third SNAP E & T graduate we spoke with found out about her eligibility to earn her associate degree in Human Services for free more than 20 years after graduating high school. As a single mother of three with a full-time job, she needed the support of her friends, family, and school to achieve her career goals. “I felt a sense of community at Goodwin. They always made me feel safe,” she continued, “My advisor, Kaitlyn Pflaum, was such a great supporter. She provided me with everything I needed to be successful.”

Thanks to the support she received from her partner, family, friends, and Goodwin’s dedicated faculty and staff, she hopes to continue this fall with her bachelor’s in Human Services.

“It has been my honor and pleasure to work with members of the SNAP E&T Human Services Program.”

– Kaitlyn Pflaum, Director of Academic Advising

We contacted Kaitlyn Pflaum, Director of Academic Advising, to learn more about how Goodwin faculty and staff work to support all Goodwin students. Pflaum and her team of academic advisors practice what she refers to as “holistic advising.” She knows and understands that for a student to achieve their highest potential, you must consider the needs of the whole person, not just their needs as a student.

“This program is important as it strives to approach students’ experiences through a holistic lens that appreciates the student for the dynamic individual they are,” says Pflaum. “It is important to understand the whole person — where they are arriving in their academic journey, their responsibilities outside of school, and their goals and aspirations,” she adds. By considering all the factors that impact students while in college, Goodwin’s faculty and staff are better positioned to help students achieve their personal and professional goals, no matter their circumstances.

To learn more about how Goodwin’s SNAP E & T program helps prepare you with the skills and training to be successful in today’s workforce, visit us today!