Jeffrey Blanco
Golden Oak Adult School
Nominated in 2025
When the automotive company that Jeffrey Blanco worked at for for 13 years closed, he had a two year old son and newborn daughter at home. Jeff's wife had to cut her maternity leave short and return to work to support the family. Jeff began looking for work, but was unable to find stable full-time employment. Jeff had little opportunity for post-secondary education because when he graduated high school his mom had cancer and he went to work to support his family. He had started working for the automotive company soon after high school and had worked his way up to become a vice president before they closed. Despite his excellent work ethic and history, without any formal career training it was difficult to find work to support his growing family. He worked a few short-term jobs to keep the family afloat, but knew he needed something better.
Jeff's wife, a Golden Oak Adult School secretary, encouraged Jeff to sign up for the Google IT Support Certification class because of his interest in technology and to help him begin a new career. Jeff took the Golden Oak Google IT Support Certification class in the spring of 2023 and quickly became a star student. He fully engaged in the coursework and with his instructor. He enjoyed learning technical content and progressed through the course quickly earning both the Google IT Support Professional certificate and the CompTIA A+ certification.
Following completion of the Google IT Support Certification course Jeff began looking for IT work. In 2024 he finally found a full-time position in the William S. Hart Union High School District's Information Technology department as the Information Technology Specialist at Hart High School. In this role, Jeff now supports Golden Oak Adult School's faculty and staff as the Information Technology Specialist for the Golden Oak Adult School classes located on the Hart High School campus. Jeff has become a valued member of the IT department, Hart High School staff, and Golden Oak Adult School staff. Jeff collaborates regularly with Golden Oak teachers and staff to find creative solutions to technology challenges and is a daily reminder that Golden Oak Adult School changes lives.
