"Both the Career Pathways Program and Lisa Jackson opened doors and encouraged me to go further in my education than I ever imagined."
“I’m from the Mott Haven section of the South Bronx and have lived in the projects most of my life. I’ve always admired police officers, but not having an education prevented me from applying for jobs,” says Alejandro Pinero. "After working at PepsiCo for 10 years, I wanted to return to school and earn my degree. A friend told me about Monroe so I went to check it out. They told me I could receive two degrees at one time through the Career Pathways Program."
Alejandro earned his GED equivalency and his associate degree in criminal justice summa cum laude in 2019 through the Career Pathways program, and is now studying for his bachelor's in criminal justice. He is a member of the National Society of Leadership and Excellence.
“I never had the opportunity to finish school. Now, thanks to Monroe, I have a second chance at a higher education,” says Alejandro. “I’m the first in my family of 10 sisters to earn a degree, and I’m now pursuing my dream of being in law enforcement. Monroe has provided me with the resources and tools as well as the support I needed to flourish. My experience at Monroe has far exceeded my expectations. Once I got my GED and saw it could be done, the rest is history. I’m a living testament as to what possible.”
“The professors let us know about different job opportunities and offered their help in the application process. I now have several applications out for various law enforcement positions. Both the Career Pathways Program and Lisa Jackson opened doors and encouraged me to go further in my education than I ever imagined.”
