Published June 2026

For many individuals eager to make a professional shift, finding a career path that aligns with both personal values and practical scheduling can feel like an impossible task. For Jack Curtis, that turning point arrived when he discovered Emily Griffith Technical College. "I had been looking around at different trade programs for a while, and the first time I discovered Emily Griffith Technical College, I knew it was the one for me," Curtis recalls. "The two factors that kept me from starting a particular program were cost, and schedule. [Emily Griffith] immediately quashed these concerns, as they offered affordable night classes for a myriad of programs."

Before finding his footing in the Water Quality Management (WQM) program, Curtis navigated the challenging landscape that many young adults face when standard higher education is out of financial reach. "As a high school graduate that was unable to afford college, I immediately began working full time jobs to pay bills, and found myself wanting more challenges and intellectual stimulation," he explains. "I knew I wanted to make a career change, but felt aimless when trying to decide which program. I then found the water quality management program, and discovered many things about it that excited me." The specialized curriculum provided the exact intersection of purpose and science he was searching for. "The WQM industry focuses on public health and environmental protection, as well as chemistry and microbiology," Curtis says. "All of these things aligned with my interests and values, and solidified my excitement to start something new."

While many students rely on direct institutional scholarships, Curtis's journey highlights a different side of the College's accessibility mission: the power of affordable pricing models and flexible financing. "Emily Griffith’s commitment to low tuition costs, and emphasis on graduating debt-free made it possible for me," he shares. "I would not have been able to commit myself to starting the WQM program without the interest-free payment plan that allows me to pay off a portion of tuition each month."

Curtis emphasizes that this foundational accessibility, combined with comprehensive wraparound resources, sets the institution apart from traditional schools. "I think [Emily Griffith] excels in student support," he notes. "Along with low tuition, and payment plans, the staff are all extremely passionate about helping students succeed. Career counseling and resume help, even after graduation, is an amazing resource to have access to."

Scheduled to complete his program in July, Curtis is ready to transition fully from the classroom into the professional workforce. "Following my apprenticeship with the City of Englewood, I hope to use my education, certifications, and work experience to become a full time operator in the water quality industry," he states. 

Reflecting on his educational experience, Curtis highlights how accessible trade training does more than just fill local job openings—it completely alters an individual's personal trajectory. "Attending classes at [Emily Griffith] has completely changed my life," Curtis reflects. "I am excited about learning, and excited about my future in a way I haven’t been able to before. The WQM program has transformed the way I view the world, and provided a path where I am able to affect meaningful change." 

For community members considering supporting Emily Griffith Foundation, Curtis points out that every contribution has an immediate return, sharing that "You would be providing tangible, meaningful change in a student’s life. Reducing financial anxieties empowers students to thrive."