Congratulations to Indian Valley Academy alumna Zoe Hitson, part of the Plumas Charter School Class of 2024! After crossing the graduation stage, Hitson ventured to Carrington College’s Sacramento campus to pursue a certificate in dental assisting. She completed the program earlier this month, proudly sporting a green graduation cord that signifies that she has already been working in the field for several months.
Hitson is stepping into a profession that’s not only personally fulfilling but also economically promising. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects dental assisting roles to grow by 8% through the decade—faster than the average occupation—with California wages on the rise.
But what sets Hitson’s journey apart is her smart approach to financing and the strong economic return tied to her choice. She funded her education through a combination of federal and state grants, student loans and personal savings. Thanks to the shorter duration of certificate programs and the strong job market in healthcare, she’s positioned to reap near-immediate returns.
Recently, the Golden Returns: A Regional Look at the ROI of California’s Community and Career Colleges report from the College Futures Foundation and The HEA Group confirmed what Hitson’s story illustrates: education with purpose pays off. Forty percent of California’s public two-year and certificate-granting institutions enable students to recover their out-of-pocket costs—after grants and scholarships—in less than a year. The study found that while only 5 percent of private or for-profit institutions offer such quick recoupment, almost half of public colleges deliver it in under 12 months.
These insights underscore the value of Hitson’s educational route at Carrington College, a shorter program with a clear path to employment and limited cost, supporting a swift return on investment.
The study’s findings are a reminder for current Plumas County students and families to consider ROI when choosing post-secondary options. By choosing a well-regarded certificate program in a growing field like dental assisting and funding it wisely, Hitson exemplifies a high-value, strategic post-secondary decision that pays for itself quickly.
IVA Site Director Ryan Schramel encourages high school students and their families to be strategic when planning for life after graduation. “Look for programs that lead to clear, in-demand careers and come with manageable costs,” he advises. “Certification programs and other short-term credentials—especially in fields like healthcare can provide a fast track into the workforce. And don’t overlook funding options. Grants, scholarships and personal savings can go a long way toward keeping expenses down.”
Zoe Hitson’s thoughtful educational path offers a template for success—one built on passion, purpose and economic smarts. PCS is incredibly proud of all she’s achieved, and we can’t wait to see where her career takes her next!