As described by TRA-Quincy Manager Nate Stowell, Joe Lupo is an “all around good kid, smart, personable and has a great sense of humor.” These traits are all the more impressive because for years Joe has struggled with some significant and very difficult life issues.

Joe began his journey at TRA in 2017, enrolling in the Quincy YouthBuild Program. With support from the staff, Joe made great progress in his goal to achieve his High School Equivalency Diploma, passing four (4) out of five (5) of the required High School Equivalency Tests (HiSET). He also earned a Home Building Institute (HBI) Pre-Apprenticeship Training Certificate (PACT) in Carpentry and an OSHA-10 workplace safety and health certificate.

After leaving YouthBuild, Joe decided that he needed to focus on earning an income, and took a job at a local supermarket. However, realizing this might be his last chance, in January 2019 he renewed his commitment and returned to TRA-Quincy, enrolling in the ACHIEVE! Youth Opportunity Program. Joe worked very hard and passed the last of the HiSET tests, earning his High School Equivalency Diploma, as well as a nationally-recognized Customer Service certification.

Not wanting to stop there, and with the encouragement and support from the TRA-Quincy staff, Joe applied to Quincy College, was accepted, and began classes in September 2019. As he navigates his way through his first year of college, Joe has reached out once again to TRA-Quincy and is receiving extra assistance in Math and English from our Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Adult Basic Education staff to help him stay on track. Joe’s ultimate goal is to study nursing, but for now he’s focusing on general studies.

Joe is very appreciative of TRA-Quincy’s staff for all the help they have given him in his educational journey. In turn, all of the TRA-Quincy staff is very proud of Joe and his accomplishments.

CONGRATULATIONS JOE! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!