Raised in Richmond, CA, Alyssia is a loving granddaughter, a first-generation college graduate, and a full-time educator. Alyssia's journey to a college degree is a story of perseverance. With a passion for working in education, she realized she could make the pivot from teacher’s aide to leading her own classroom. After completing her bachelor’s degree through SNHU and earning her teacher credential, Alyssia has now realized her dream of becoming a kindergarten teacher in Richmond, giving back to the community that raised her.

Amanda balances her time as a full-time mother and an Educational Program Manager. "I always wanted to go to trade school because I knew I’d be able to learn one thing and have a straight shot to the finish line. Rivet School was exactly that." Searching for a non-traditional approach to college, Amanda gravitated towards the project-based and self-paced curriculum that our partnership with SNHU offers. Amanda applied to Rivet School while pregnant with her first child and made it a goal to graduate before her son turned 2 years old. Last spring, Amanda proudly received a Bachelor's of Arts in Communications through SNHU at Rivet School’s 2023 graduation ceremony.

Damian balances his time as an Area General Manager for the Good Eating Company and being a father. While Damian tried out both community college and online universities, he was looking for a supportive and flexible environment to fit his lifestyle. Recognizing the upward mobility a college degree could offer his family, Damian earned both his associate and bachelor’s degree through Rivet School’s partnership with SNHU in only 1.5 years. He said, “Rivet School helped me back the experience I already had. After my degree, I was able to get an even better paying job.”

Harold is a Filipino first-generation immigrant and college graduate. On his journey to a college degree, Harold took on the financial burden of attending various community colleges and beginning a career in nursing. At the age of 32 and during a global pandemic, Harold gave school another chance with Rivet School. Today, Harold works as a Customer Success Manager at BookNook and consults for the City of Berkeley designing a post-high school internship program.

Sidney is a first-generation college student and a full-time employee at a California public school. Alongside her six siblings, Sidney was encouraged to secure her future by pursuing higher education. After Sidney tried out community college and online universities, she felt discouraged time and time again until she found Rivet School. Honoring her late father, Sidney is now on track to graduate with a Bachelor's of Arts in Business Management through SNHU, and has also inspired her mother to do the same. Sid said, “Growing up, I didn't have parents [with degrees] to look up to in this way, but now I can be the one to inspire them."

Jose Luis is a father, high school soccer coach, and first-generation college student. When his younger sister needed a Coaching Assistant for her soccer team, he jumped at the opportunity and led with his love for sports. After realizing he reached a ceiling professionally, he joined Rivet School’s Educator Pathway to reach his ultimate goal of becoming an Athletic Director.

Irene is a first-generation college graduate and works full-time in higher education. After earning her associate degree ten years ago, Irene’s manager told her about Rivet School. With their support, Irene enrolled into SNHU with the support of Rivet School to earn her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management. Within 16 months, she graduated debt-free and said, “My degree was the first thing I can call my own. It was a sense of security for me — not just financial, but emotional and mental.”