Make the Leap

We invited three student mothers—Keta, Claribell, and Caroline—to share their stories: pregnancy detours, stacked externship hours after full-time work, and the late-night study windows that keep goals alive. Their stories are tender and tough, grounded in purpose, and full of practical moves anyone can copy.

We talk about what actually keeps a parent-student going: childcare that shows up, flexible schedules, and advisors...

What if your first diploma isn’t an ending, but the start of everything you hoped a career could be? We dive into the real work of turning ambition into action—setting goals that point past a paycheck, finding the specialty that fits, and building a support system that shows up when life gets loud.

Marie Aveline, Program Chair for Ross’s Medical Assistant Program, breaks down how early goal-setting and “sampling” different...

Persistence isn't just about pushing through minor inconveniences—sometimes it's about walking four miles to work when you can't afford bus fare, studying during lunch breaks, and refusing to let homelessness define your children's future.

Meet Keisha, a Ross Dental Assistant graduate whose journey exemplifies what it truly means to persist. As a single mother working two jobs, Keisha's path to suc...

Ever wondered how the United States can better address the homelessness crisis? This episode of "Make the Leap" promises eye-opening insights as we welcome Kelsey Fox, the dedicated Director of Housing and Community Solutions at the United Way in Delaware County, Ohio. Kelsey guides us through her journey from public relations to becoming a passionate advocate for housing stability, sharing inspiring stories and impactful...

Curious about how a debt-free education could transform the lives of foster children? In this episode of "Make the Leap," Brad Constant, George Grayeb, and Kristen Beal introduce the Ross Last-Dollar Grant for Foster Children, a last-dollar grant initiative that ensures foster children can attend Ross without tuition fees or student debt. Listen as George shares eye-opening statistics about the financial challenges faced ...

What if the shortage of foster homes could be solved by one inspiring story? Join us as we tackle the foster care crisis, sharing the compelling journey of Beth Dock-Henschen. Learn how a close friend's impact led Beth to open her heart and home to foster children. Her experiences reveal the complexities and emotional challenges of foster parenting, while also highlighting the profound rewards.

Beth's candid refl...

How do free and charitable medical clinics manage to provide essential healthcare services to millions of Americans with little to no federal or state funding? Join us on this episode of Make the Leap as we uncover the invaluable role these clinics play in our healthcare system. With special guest Mary Lewis, CEO of the Gary Bernstein Community Health Clinic in Pontiac, Michigan, we challenge misconceptions and explore the real sto...

How has the value of the Pell Grant evolved from a crucial lifeline to a mere drop in the bucket when it comes to covering today's skyrocketing tuition fees? Join us on Make the Leap as we uncover the historical shifts and present-day challenges faced by low-income students navigating the financial aid landscape. We'll take you back to 1972, when the Pell Grant was introduced, and contrast its purchasing power then versus...

Can education truly be a vehicle for social change and equity? Join us on "Make the Leap" as we explore this compelling question with Ronnese McKinney, a fervent advocate for student success and social mobility. Ronnese shares her personal journey and stresses the vital need to view education as a public good, not just a commodity. We'll discuss the historical context of the GI Bill and its impact on societal views a...

Can unequal access to technology create insurmountable barriers for low-income students, further widening the socioeconomic divide? Join hosts Brad Constant and George Grayeb on Make the Leap as we tackle this pressing issue head-on. In this episode, we explore the profound impact of the digital divide on low-income students, particularly in online and hybrid learning environments. With special guest Dr. Rhonda Baughman from Ross C...

Can financial stress and limited resources turn homes into battlegrounds for those already struggling to make ends meet? Listen as we unravel the complex web linking poverty, domestic violence, and health. We spotlight the heightened risks faced by women in disadvantaged groups and dissect how economic disparities in relationships can be weaponized by abusers. Kristen Beal, our insightful guest, delves into the multifaceted forms o...

Have you ever considered the silent struggles of America's foster children, hidden in plain sight until a dire headline seizes our attention? Together with our passionate guest, Kristen Beal, who has tirelessly worked with juvenile offenders and advocated for child victims, we peel back the layers of the foster care system to reveal the intricate challenges faced by nearly 400,000 young souls. As Kristen shares her insights fr...

One in eight low-income students earns a degree or professional certification. Why is being poor an impediment to getting the education that gets you out of poverty?

Join host George Grayeb and guest Micaela Alpers, Chief Business Officer at Career EDGE, as they discuss poverty, education and the struggle the poor have with getting the education they deserve.

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