At age 38, Melissa already has a degree in business management and business economics, but after getting laid off, she was not able to find a job in her area that would meet her financial needs. Working with her local One Stop Career Center, she applied for federal grants and took out loans, and is now going back for a third degree, aimed at landing her a medical administration position.

Melissa says: ‘It’s still scary. Even if I get done [with my degree], is there going to be something out there when I’m done? Because there’s not a guarantee.’ | • Watch Video

Tags: career, center, econ, grant, loan, management, Melissa, one stop