Westerville Central High School senior Janiyah Brooks started the school year worried about how she was going to graduate.
Thanks to a new credential program available at all three Westerville high schools this year, she is now ready to cross the stage and receive her diploma next month.
Brooks is the first WCSD student to complete the RISE Up credential program, where students can earn a State Board of Education-approved, industry-recognized credential that offers a pathway toward graduation for students struggling with the Ohio State Tests.
“RISE Up honestly saved my life,” she said. “Now I’m able to graduate so I am really happy.”
The district launched the program after winter break for students who needed additional options to demonstrate competency to earn their diplomas. The National Retail Federation Foundation’s industry-backed RISE Up training satisfies that requirement by providing students with a 12-point industry credential and equipping them with skills and industry information that will help them thrive in retail careers and beyond.
Dawn Sayre, director of College and Career Pathways at Westerville City Schools, said RISE Up offers more than an industry credential.
“It’s also about what skills we are giving kids to be successful regardless of where they go, whether it’s college, military or the workforce,” she said. “It’s really about customer service and employability.”
Westerville North High School senior Abdi Osman had never worked in retail before but feels more at ease applying for jobs after going through the program.
“Taking this course has made jobs more accessible,” he said.
Like Brooks, he started the school year worried about how he was going to graduate. He plans to take the final exam for the RISE Up program next week to earn his 12-point credential.
“Thank you for the people that got me this second option,” he said. “I won’t forget about them.”
About 30 WCSD juniors and seniors are currently enrolled in the program, which includes courses that take about 20 hours to complete. Students work on the online lessons at school with a staff member providing additional support.
Brooks dedicated her study hall time as well as breaks during her part-time job over the weekends to work on the courses. After having worked in retail since age 16, she was all too familiar with the content in the program. She completed her coursework and passed her exams in a month.
“She was determined to graduate,” said Monica Johnson, Brooks’ school counselor at WCHS. “I was so proud of her.”
Brooks said she is thankful for Johnson and WCHS student success coach Terri Nowalk, who helped her with RISE Up.
“I’m glad this came along because it really helped,” she said. “It was a life-changing option.”