Wall of FAME

Victor Negron

Life Transformation

My life before Ideal, I was basically in the streets selling drugs and not going to school. Ideal is the best school to go to for someone who feels like regular high school isn't right for you. Now thanks to Ideal, I'm also working a job I like.

Aaliyah Kosanovich

GED Graduate

Ideal made me feel accepted and not judged for my setbacks. The classes were easy to understand while still challenging enough to help me progress. The stipends were also a huge motivating factor to help with the things I needed in my personal life. My teacher, Brandon, was always there to motivate and support any of us students. To anyone that wants to get their GED, ask for help when you need it and don't quit, it's worth it.

Sean Carroll

Construction Specialist

The construction specialist course was a lot of fun. I got lots of hands-on experience throughout the program, and I appreciated that the class materials were quality construction equipment and supplies. Also receiving the OSHA EPA certifications were a plus.

Alexis Koelle

GED Graduate

The best part of the GED program was a community of support fostered among the students by our instructor. I'd like to thank my instructor, Mr. Brandon, because regardless of any significant challenges, he was willing to help students to the best of his ability so that we could succeed. Anyone looking for the GED, choose Ideal, and just go for it.

Aliyah Jones

GED Graduate

Facing my own self-doubt on my journey to a GED was difficult, but I soon found that the best part of this program has been the overall feeling of accomplishment. I'm so grateful that my friend encouraged me to join the program after getting her GED through it. I want anyone that finds themselves procrastinating to understand that doubt is fair and natural, but stop waiting and do it because it's never too late to start.

Cristal Nieto

Microsoft Certified

I heard about Ideal's Microsoft program through the one-stop career center. Whether it be that I had to be home with my daughter or COVID-19, Ideal was accommodating and able to complete my coursework online. I'm so grateful for staff like Ms. Bachman for the opportunity I was given to put my certification into practice by being hired onto her staff.

Brandon Nicholls-Benjamin

Life Changed

I was a troubled child. When I went to school I would always get kicked out. My attitude was so nasty, I was lost. I didn't know where to look for help until I came across Ideal, it really changed my life around. Since I've been here I've changed in so many ways I never thought was possible. Now I can honestly say I totally recommend this school to everyone. I've become a better person by a long shot. Ideal has helped me get on the correct path that I should've been on in regular school. Take pride in how far you've come. Have faith in how far you can go. But don't forget to enjoy the journey.

Joshua Jenkins

Now Teaching at Ideal

After seeing poor workmanship of contractors and the stress it put my mother through, I decided to learn the construction trade myself to assist her. After completing the program at Ideal, I was able to assist my mother with her home remodel needs. Through Ideal, I was able to learn and practice a trade that will be a benefit to me now and in the future. Today, I work as a Facility Maintenance Coordinator and Construction Trade Teacher's Assistant for Ideal.

Chanel Green-El

Graduate

"It's been a rollercoaster due to the pandemic, but I accomplished something, and will accomplish much more with Ideal"

Priya Momi

Student

"It's like having a family in school. They listen, they care, they support your academic goals, and show you paths to accomplish them."

Calice Mitchell

Graduate

"The best part of the program was meeting new people who were just as motivated to succeed and learn in life as I was."

Andrew DeMario

Second Chance Success

My life before Ideal was kind of crazy. I was running in the streets getting in trouble a lot with the law. I was a lost cause until my P.O told me about Ideal. I've been at Ideal for five months and they really helped me a lot with my problems. They made me feel like I was family and I'm forever grateful for them. If it wasn't for Ideal I don't know where I would be, but most likely in jail or dead. They changed me for the better and I love them for that—they gave me a second chance when nobody would.

Jordan Scarborough

GED Graduate

I heard about Ideal when looking for GED tests and centers online. I think the best part about the program is that no matter what, someone will always be there to help you. My advice to anyone wanting to get the GED is that you should go for it because Ideal makes it easier than you might think it is.

Jacob Villano

GED Graduate

Ideal Institute of Technology has helped me in ways which are important to me, like allowing me to express myself through learning. I learned how to pass my GED exam and I was able to do it at my own pace. I was introduced to Ideal's GED program through one-stop career center. The best part was that while I was going through obstacles, the instructors pushed, motivated, and supported me all throughout the program so that I could accomplish my goals. One thing that I remember is that no matter what, they're always there for you.

Michelle Rodriguez

GED Graduate

I was introduced to Ideal's GED program through one-stop career center. The best part was that while I was going through obstacles, the instructors pushed, motivated, and supported me all throughout the program so that I could accomplish my goals. One thing that I remember is that no matter what, they're always there for you.

Zjamirr Harrison

Life Transformation

My life before Ideal was a terrible mess. If it wasn't for Ideal I wouldn't have made it as far as I did. My experience in this school has been crazy, it's been an up and down type of thing. This school is very different from any regular school. It's really special, the teachers are amazing and so loving, and some of them actually know how to deal with kids with anger issues. Ideal is like a home to all those kids who are really struggling. My future goal is for me to be the best person I can be.

Tylib Sargent

Graduate

My life before Ideal was very difficult for me to get anywhere in life like trying to get in school or try to get a job, but then I had Ideal and my life became easy because they were there to help me in order to get where I'm at now. My future goal was to help people with the things that I can help them with so that they can achieve their goals, and so far I'm achieving it with Ideal. I'm communicating more to people, so I would like to thank everybody at Ideal for giving me a chance by helping me with everything that I've been trying to achieve all my life.

Cassandra Urban

Tech Student

I want to thank Ideal for letting me come to this great school. I have made a lot of friends. I have been learning a lot in the class and I wish I would have got a chance to learn a lot more about fixing phones. If I could come back I would. I enjoyed being at Ideal.

James Kessler

Student

I feel like I'm just starting to learn some things about the environment. Also Ideal isn't as hard as I expected. The test we took was very hard. I feel like I did okay on the test. I feel like we need more job options and opportunities.

Khalif Thornton

Graduate

The IDEAL out of school youth program helped me out in a major way. Before I was welcomed by the staff I went to Pleasantville High School. I was constantly going to school late and when I did go on time I would always be cutting class. Once I was told that I was given the chance to change and graduate and find a job within a week, I knew this school was the best move I could make at that time.

Quamyre Quinn

GED Student

I feel like Ideal was the perfect place for me. I was struggling every day just to get out of bed when I was going to my high school, but at Ideal I can't wait to hear the new ideas and opportunities that this school brings. The school is great for anybody that knows what they want to do because Ideal will probably have the connections to support you any way they can while also giving you the education and life lessons you need. I hope after I get my GED I'll be able to work with Ideal for a long time.

Jacob S

Student

I feel like Ideal is a great opportunity for students that are dropped out of school or people that have nowhere else to turn. They help people that are down and out and need a little guidance. The staff are wonderful, they actually talk to the students when they have personal things going on. They are always willing to extend a helping hand when needed as well.

Austin Howard

Graduate

I graduated from High School, had a job at Pizza Hut until I left around December 2018 because the pay wasn't good. I learned a lot about what I'm studying and had an amazing hands-on experience at one point. I want to have a job that I would feel comfortable in and to help my family throughout the process and maybe to study more.

Wydee Quinn

GED Student

Ideal is a very good program and it's going to be good for our future. The life I had before Ideal wasn't all that. I used to get in trouble all the time and my living situation was messed up. Got kicked out of school for fighting. Then I applied for Ideal and my experience was a little bumpy. Learned a lot and had a lot of fun. I failed a couple of tests but I'm going to get my GED. My future goals are to go into the army and come out being a firefighter or a cop, or I'll live on a farm.

Antoine Rodriguez

Student

The life I had before Ideal wasn't too good for me. I was going to Pleasantville High School where it was too distracting. My experience at Ideal was good, I got to see a lot of new stuff. My future goal is to have a job that pays very well and to be a chef.

Deja Cruz

Graduate

My life before Ideal was just fixing cars outside my house making money. My experience here has been good, thanks to them I'm working in a mechanic garage. My goal is to keep my job and stay in it. Ideal is a good school for all people that need GED or are trying to do any of the other programs.

Nadim W.

Student

I feel like Ideal is a good place to learn. I do so much for this school more than any other student. Ideal is a good school.

Somanyah Burton

Young Mother Success

My life before Ideal was confusing. I had to figure out how I was going to be a teenage mother and finish high school. Ideal has been a wonderful experience for me. I feel like Ideal can give me the tools so I can go forward in life. In the future I plan on having a successful career in social work and raising my daughter to be the best woman she can be.

Troy

Graduate

Life before Ideal was ok for me. I just didn't like school at all so I used to never go to class or school sometimes. Then Pleasantville High School partnered with Ideal so that kids like me that didn't like school or had trouble in school could go. My experience at Ideal has been pretty good. Everybody that was attending and also working for Ideal was very nice. The teachers and owners at Ideal always pushed me to work harder and stay focused on the goal which was getting your high school diploma. My future goals are that I want to go to college and get my master's degree and get a well-paying job.

Bria Garrett

GED Graduate

Go to Ideal. They will help with the process of getting a high school diploma.

Amy Montanez

Ideal Tech Center

The Ideal Tech Center, a student-run enterprise managed by Ideal Institute of Technology's students, provides services to clients under the full supervision and support of experienced professionals. Our technicians, trainees, and website developers provide onsite cell phone, computer repair, and IT services to help small businesses and homeowners meet their repair needs. "We fix what we teach!" became the slogan to promote the new enterprise. The van makes stops at weekend community events—flea markets, farmer's markets, street fairs, and craft fairs.

Joy Pinero-Deniz

Tech-On-Wheels

The Ideal Tech Center provides services under the full supervision of experienced professionals. The addition of the Tech-On-Wheels Van gave a new dimension to hands-on learning for students. Broken cellphones, iPads, laptops, PCs, and game consoles receive an on-the-spot diagnosis and then students make the repairs in the well-equipped van for a donation, plus the cost of the replacement part.

Tashae Love

ServSafe Certified

I wouldn't have even known "ServSafe certification" was an option if it wasn't for the Ideal team always looking out for their students.