Events
Pathfinder Students Gain Credentials and Confidence
RALEIGH, N.C. (June 19, 2025) – More than two dozen adult learners armed with credentials and confidence are ready for their next chapter!
Wake Tech honored 30 students who completed the college’s Pathfinder Career Exploration program during a special ceremony Thursday on the Scott Northern Wake Campus. The program is designed for adults with intellectual disabilities who want to further their education and prepare for the workplace.
Family and friends cheered for their loved ones who proudly displayed certificates and posed for photos.
“Tonight is a true celebration of hard work and perseverance,” said Wake Tech President Dr. Ralls. “You have inspired us and taught us what success looks like. We are proud that you are Wake Tech graduates!”
The Pathfinder program offers online, in-person learning, and Integrated Education and Training (IET) which gives students the opportunity to earn credentials in a specific career area.
Pathfinder students complete a variety of employment-focused cohorts over a two-year period:
- Horticulture and landscaping
- Health care
- Animal care/pet retail
- Business/customer service
- Food service/culinary
- Technology
Many of the students who completed the program are applying for a job or have already been hired.
Riley Henegar, one of the student speakers, earned a Barista/Baking credential and completed a ServSafe® course, which teaches safe food handling practices. Henegar is now working full-time at UNC Health Rex Hospital as a food service associate, preparing and serving food to patients. She says the Pathfinder program prepared her for the hiring process and the workplace environment.
“My instructors taught me practical things about resumes and interviewing,” said Henegar. “I also enjoyed the relationships I formed with other students and my instructors. That has carried over into my enthusiasm for developing relationships with my coworkers and my managers at work.”
Henegar says she is not done learning and has big plans for the future: “I am currently working on life goals which will eventually make me ready to marry my fiancé!”
Dr. Michael Ellis, Dean of College and Career Readiness at Wake Tech, reminded the graduates that anything is possible.
“We have seen so many of our Pathfinders go on to get bachelor’s degrees, to get jobs as computer designers, graphic designers, data analysts, food service managers, working and running small businesses that they own,” said Dr. Ellis. “The possibilities are endless, so don’t box yourself in. Just look at the power of possibility thinking!”
In addition to the job-related cohorts, Pathfinder students learn academic life skills, including time management, organization, critical thinking, and communication that help them effectively manage their studies, learn new information, and prepare for future careers.
Learn more about the Pathfinder Career Exploration program at Wake Tech.
