Embracing a New Path: Ryan’s Journey from Adult High School to Practical Nursing

Ryan Saad is a former high school student who left school during his 11th-grade year before enrolling in Davidson-Davie Community College’s College and Career Readiness (CCR) program to pursue his Adult High School Diploma. With the support of WIOA Title I NCWorks NextGen and Title II CCR, Ryan completed his diploma on April 19, 2024.

During the summer of 2024, Ryan participated in a work-based learning experience with Atrium Health and completed a summer training program through Davidson-Davie Community College in partnership with the Piedmont Triad Regional Council (PTRC). Through these experiences, he earned his Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt, OSHA 10, and CPR certifications, gaining valuable workplace skills and firsthand exposure to the healthcare field.

Ryan continued building his healthcare credentials by completing Nurse Aide I (NA I) training and earning a place on the Nurse Aide Registry on August 30, 2025. He then completed the prerequisites for Davidson-Davie Community College’s Practical Nurse Education program and was accepted into the program, beginning his studies in Fall 2026.

Ryan’s accomplishments have been recognized through his induction into both the National Adult Education Honor Society and the National Society of Leadership and Success. His journey demonstrates the impact of strong collaboration between WIOA Title I NCWorks NextGen and Title II CCR in helping young adults re-engage with education, develop valuable workforce skills, and successfully transition into postsecondary education and a career pathway.