Published June 2026

Some students find their way to Emily Griffith Technical College through Google searches or career counselors, but Daniella Carlos found it through her family tree. Her grandfather has been a fixture at the school, teaching here for over 23 years. When it came time for Carlos to pivot her own career, the choice of where to go was obvious.

Though she was born at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs, Carlos spent the first chapter of her professional life working in early childhood development. However, she always felt a distinct pull toward a different field. “My background has been in pre-school education however I have always had an aptitude for technology,” Carlos says. To bridge the gap between her natural talent and a professional career, she enrolled in Emily Griffith Technical College's Computer Networking program. 

Swapping a classroom of toddlers for data packets and network architecture is a massive shift, but the structure of the College made the transition manageable. For adult students making a mid-career pivot, the standard four-year university timeline often doesn't fit the realities of daily life. Carlos notes that this flexibility is exactly what sets Emily Griffith apart from other educational options, sharing that "[Emily Griffith Technical College] offers shorter programs that allow for faster completion and also flexible schedules that allow me work while going to school." 

The strategy is working, and Carlos is on track to complete her final coursework and graduate in July. Once she finishes her studies, she hopes to work in the IT field and put her technical training to immediate use.

Even with an accelerated program timeline, the financial reality of going back to school can be daunting. To keep her momentum going, Carlos received financial assistance, securing scholarships through Emily Griffith Foundation alongside federal grants to help cover her costs. The impact of that aid was immediate, providing a level of security that allowed her to focus on mastering complex technical skills. As Carlos notes, "Financial support has been more than I had ever hoped for and am grateful." 

For the donors whose contributions to Emily Griffith Foundation make scholarships and other direct financial assistance possible, Carlos has a direct message. She emphasizes that these funds act as a vital launchpad for local students working to build better lives: "It enables and gives hope and opportunity to people like me who are just getting started and are truly grateful for the assistance."