At Wellspring, our work doesn’t end at graduation – the door is always open. We stay connected with our participants for as long as they need us, and this spring, that ongoing relationship helped one HOST alumna take a major step toward a lifelong dream. 

Jesika, a single working mother and HOST graduate, has been working toward her goal of earning a nursing degree since she first walked through Wellspring’s doors in 2019. Along the way, there have been challenges but Jesika has stayed determined, resilient, and committed, continuing to work closely with our team every step of the way. 

This spring, that persistence paid off in a big way: Jesika was awarded a Robert Clark Rogers Wellspring Scholarship and accepted to Merrimack College, then learned she’d also receive Merrimack’s Connect Scholarship and most recently, the One Family Scholarship, which covers tuition, provides a monthly living stipend, and includes ongoing mentoring through graduation.  

“Wellspring’s program helped me become a better version of myself, giving me real skills and the confidence to believe I could achieve my goals with focus and determination.” – Jesika 

None of this happened alone. Jesika worked closely with Wellspring’s Director of Education & Career Pathways Andy Allen and his team, throughout the scholarship process, and their guidance and encouragement helped carry her forward. Mary Beth Tobin, Wellspring’s Director of Job Training, has also been a steady strategic partner throughout. As Mary Beth puts it: 

“Our support does not end at graduation. We maintain a strong alumni network and continue helping graduates navigate career growth, continuing education, job transitions, and new opportunities long after they complete the program. Alumni become part of the Wellspring community.” 

Jesika’s story reflects something we’re seeing more and more: a growing number of HOST alumni returning to Wellspring for ongoing career advising, long after they’ve completed the program. It’s a meaningful shift — Wellspring isn’t just a job training program. We’re a long-term career development partner, walking alongside our graduates as they build careers in one of the region’s most in-demand fields. As healthcare employers across Massachusetts continue to face significant staffing pressures, HOST graduates are stepping into real career pathways — from community health centers to major hospital networks. 

We are incredibly proud of Jesika and everything she’s accomplished, and we look forward to continuing to support her journey to becoming a nurse and beyond.