At Carl Sandburg College, we believe in the power of potential — and the profound impact that a well-forged path can have on a person’s life. In this inaugural issue of TradingUp, we’re proud to share stories that spotlight the transformative journeys of students who’ve chosen to pursue their futures through the trades.

These aren’t just tales of certification or career change — they’re stories of resilience, discovery, and momentum. You’ll meet individuals like Brandon O’Reilly, who turned a passion for engines into a professional trajectory; or Diamonique, who stacked credentials step by step until she stood proudly as a registered nurse. From CNC machining to radiologic technology, from automotive repair to dental hygiene, these stories show what’s possible when talent meets opportunity — and when opportunity is close to home.

Sandburg is proud to be that place — a launchpad for the dreamers, the doers, and the hands-on builders of tomorrow. These pages are filled with people who once wondered what was next. They found their answer not in guesswork, but in programs that met them where they were and moved them toward where they wanted to be.

Some came to Sandburg through WIOA support, others through dual credit. Some discovered that a second chance could lead to a first love of a profession. Some came from across the globe. But whether they found us from across the street or across the ocean, they found more than skills — they found direction, confidence, and belonging.

And now they’re everywhere — contributing to the workforce, strengthening their communities, and living lives of purpose. That’s the power of career and technical education. It doesn’t just change a student’s path; it changes the trajectory of an entire region.

As you read through this issue, I hope you feel the same pride that we do at Sandburg. These students are not outliers. They’re the new standard — proof that ambition and action, matched with the right support, can lead to remarkable things.

On behalf of our entire Career & Technical Education team, thank you for opening these pages and stepping into their stories. And thank you for supporting the kind of education that helps everyday people do extraordinary things.

Warmly,

Ellen Burns, Dean of Career & Technical Education
Carl Sandburg College