Every day, students with all ranges of abilities flow in and out of FSCJ Downtown Campus.

For many students with learning challenges, making it in the college setting can be especially difficult. Such was true for Joshua Duncan, a student in the Automotive Service Technology program.

Joshua came to FSCJ with the help of the VERTICAL program, which provides support to students with unique abilities through the Project Achieve grant from the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council. Initially, Joshua struggled to make it through his courses.

“I knew I could do it, but it was tough,” explains Joshua.

He persevered and gave it his all, which is now finally paying off.

Program Manager Donnie Thompson knows firsthand the massive gains made by this student.

“Josh is one of the most positive students I’ve ever met,” said Thompson. “He was always enthusiastic about learning and about starting a career in the automotive service industry. We were very excited to help him get his first job and then see him take that experience to his current position with Jiffy Lube. Project Achieve has definitely helped Josh find his career niche by providing the pathway and support he needed to be successful.”

Today, Joshua is thrilled to be employed at Jiffy Lube and looking forward to a life-long career in the automotive service industry. This student is just one example of the success that can be reached when college programs work together with the success of each individual student in mind, no matter the obstacles they may face.

Congratulations, Josh!