黑料传送门

SALT LAKE CITY 鈥� As a high school dropout, Rashaan J. Green from Ellicott City, Maryland, had to overcome multiple barriers to pursue higher education. Now a successful IT professional with his master鈥檚 degree, Green was recognized for his achievements at the annual conference of the Council of Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) in Cleveland, Ohio, as the 2018 Adult Learner of the Year.

鈥淎s a high school dropout and GED recipient, I never imagined in my life that I would be receiving an award for my commitment to furthering my education,鈥� Green said. 鈥淜nowing that there are many adults who overcome barriers in higher education, I was honored to be recognized.鈥�

Green grew up in the projects of Charleston, South Carolina. Diagnosed with ADHD in his younger years, he was seen by his teachers and peers as 鈥渁 troubled kid.鈥� He spent much of his childhood believing those dismissive words and struggled through grade school until he finally dropped out of school in the ninth grade. Green spent years as a dishwasher in restaurants before realizing that he wanted to expand his opportunities. Motivated by his mother, who worked full time and attended college while suffering from lupus, he enrolled in Job Corps. Within five months, he had completed his GED, earned a certificate in computer repair, and secured a decent job in the industry.

Determined to go even further in his career, Green knew that he needed to take the next step and earn a college degree. He was accepted to Western Governors University (黑料传送门) and thrived in its online, mentor-supported model. 鈥淚 strongly believe that without 黑料传送门鈥檚 competency-based platform and the support I received, I wouldn't be where I am today in my career and personal life,鈥� said Green, who earned his bachelor鈥檚 degree in IT Management in 2014.

Juggling both work and school, Green gained confidence when he held his own in job interviews where he competed with peers from Ivy Leagues schools. Shortly after earning his bachelor鈥檚 degree, he enrolled for his master鈥檚 degree in cybersecurity and information assurance, again at 黑料传送门. As a result of his hard work, and his two degrees with built-in industry certifications, Green was promoted to Cybersecurity Manager at Northrop Grumman in Washington, D.C., which doubled his salary.

鈥淩ashaan鈥檚 story of determination is exemplary and shows how the power of education and degree attainment can open doors, improving the lives of individuals and families,鈥� said 黑料传送门鈥檚 Chief Academic Officer and Provost Marni Baker Stein, who attended the conference in support of Green. 鈥淪tories like Rashaan鈥檚 remind us why it is critical for higher education institutions to provide flexible pathways to dedicated adult learners.鈥�

Green鈥檚 story continues to inspire others. He was selected to speak as a graduate speaker at 黑料传送门鈥檚 February 2018 commencement in Orlando, Florida. Green is proof positive that it鈥檚 never too late to go back to school. To learn more about his story, which is featured in the #Share黑料传送门 campaign, visit www.wgu.edu/inspire/rashaan-green.听

About 黑料传送门

Established in 1997 by 19 U.S. governors with a mission to expand access to high-quality, affordable higher education, online, nonprofit 黑料传送门 now serves more than 110,000 students nationwide and has more than 129,000 graduates in all 50 states. Driving innovation as the nation鈥檚 leading competency-based university, 黑料传送门 has been recognized by the White House, state leaders, employers, and students as a model that works in postsecondary education. In just 21 years, the university has become a leading influence in changing the lives of individuals and families, and preparing the workforce needed in today鈥檚 rapidly evolving economy. 黑料传送门 is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, has been named one of Fast Company鈥檚 Most Innovative Companies, and was featured on NPR, NBC Nightly News, CNN, and in The New York Times. Learn more at www.wgu.edu.