How these 2 local students scored promotions + a tuition discount that includes 1,000+ other employers

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Beige Horizontal Aesthetic We Are Open Sign — Locals Amberlyn and Javian have different career goals, but are achieving them the same way. (Elizabeth Hobbs / Hville Blast)

There is no linear career path, and locals Amberlyn and Javian are here to prove it. The common link between this Systems Analyst and Wastewater Operator is their desire to make more with their life. How? By going back to school in adulthood while working full time.

Read on to find out how these local students are balancing school and life, plus getting a discount on tuition.

Are you ready to advance your career with a Bachelor’s or Master’s? 1,000+ local employers offer tuition discounts through the Athens State Learning Partner Program—see if you’re one of them.

Meet Amberlyn + Javian: 2 students benefiting from the Learning Partner Program at Athens State

athenstate10 1 — Amberlyn (Elizabeth Hobbs / Hville Blast)

Javian at Decatur Utilities — Amberlyn (Elizabeth Hobbs / Hville Blast)

Amberlyn Brewer

📍 Home base: Elkmont, AL
🛶 Hobbies: kayaking, vacationing with her husband and three kids, singing + playing guitar
💼 Current career: Systems Analyst and Radar Operator at Maximum Technology Corporation in Huntsville
🎓 Degree: Bachelor’s in Management of Cybersecurity Operations (Dec 2026)
- Fun fact: Amberlyn started her career as a dental assistant, then was a stay-at-home mom for 6 years before entering the tech industry
💰 Learning Partner qualification: Employee at Maximum Technology Corporation

Javian Conley

📍 Home base: Decatur, AL
🛶 Hobbies: faith, spending time with family, golf
💼 Current career: Grade IV Wastewater Operator for Decatur Utilities at the Dry Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant
- Fun fact: He’s been in the wastewater industry for seven years and loves it!
🎓 Degree: Bachelor’s in Management, Master’s in Strategic Leadership and Business Analytics
💰 Learning Partner qualification: Employee at Decatur Utilities, a member of the Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce

Q: What has your career path looked like + what are your goals?

Amberlyn

Amberlyn went to school for dental assisting after graduating from high school in 2010 before becoming a stay-at-home mom. Three kids later, Amberlyn felt the itch to go back to school.

“I was back-and-forth about what I wanted to do. I knew I wanted to go in the tech field, because there are so many opportunities. I started researching and found Athens State’s cybersecurity program. If you go into the tech field, cybersecurity is the way to go.”
Amberlyn

While getting her Associates in Cybersecurity at community college, Amberlyn secured an entry-level position at Maximum Technology Corporation, a missile defense agency in Huntsville. Soon after, she knew a bachelor’s would unlock more opportunities.

“Once you get in this field, you realize all the opportunities there are out there. The professors and professionals at Athens State help you network and find future jobs.

And once I get this degree, it could bring me to higher positions in the tech field or prepare me for another opportunity out there. I can go anywhere with this degree.”
Amberlyn

Javian

Javian is the embodiment of “a lifelong learner.” He started in the wastewater industry right out of high school, working his way up through strong work ethic and certifications.

He views education as opportunity for professional and personal growth.

“I’ve always kept the mindset of being a lifelong learner. You can always become stronger in any aspect of life. But of course, education is one that really takes you forward.

To fulfill my long-term goals, both in my career and personal life, I decided to further my education in Strategic Leadership and Business Analytics.

I don’t want to be that employee that sits in the same position for 30 years—I feel like I could serve a bigger purpose. And that’s part of my drive to gain the knowledge and education.”
Javian

Flexible Education - Athens State University

Q: How is the Learning Partner Program helping you?

Javian, Athens State student, shows the results of his work at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. — Javian shows the results of his work at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. (Elizabeth Hobbs / Hville Blast)

For both Amberlyn and Javian, the Learning Partner Program is lifting some of the financial burden of going back to school.

When Amberlyn and Javian first met with their advisor, they learned they qualify for the Learning Partner Program through their employers, saving them 10% of tuition and waving their application fees.

“I jumped on it real quick—anything to help me save money counts. It’s such a rewarding program, and it’s doing much more than just giving me a tuition discount.”
Amberlyn

“It’s definitely making it more affordable and reducing the financial stress, which has been instrumental in helping me reach both my career and personal goals. Just to have a little bit of help is always phenomenal.”
Javian

Learn more about the Learning Partner Program and register by June 30, 2025 to get 20% off tuition.

Q: How do you balance a full time job, family + school?

Amberlyn, Athens State student, — Amberlyn balances her classes with her full time job and family. (Elizabeth Hobbs / Hville Blast)

The answer seems to be the same across all Athens State students: the flexibility of online classes paired with exceptional, supportive professors makes finishing your degree in adulthood possible.

Amberlyn is thankful for supportive staff who understand her role as a mom.

“At the beginning of the semesters, I’ll tell my professors, ‘I have three little ones and I work full time. If I ever need anything, can you help me?’

The professors have really helped me balance everything in my life. It’s one of the best schools if you have a family and a full time job.

The workload can be a lot, but Athens State will send an automated text every week or so and say, ‘Hey, how are you doing?’ It’s nice that I get that every now and then.”
Amberlyn

Javian appreciates that the flexible online structure gives him time for everything else in life.

“Doing everything online, I don’t have to worry about compromising my personal life or working a full time job. They help me balance my goals and make education a reality, because it’d be almost impossible for me with my schedule and 12-hour shifts. Athens State is making dreams become realities.“
Javian

1000+ employers get tuition discounts at Athens State

Athens State students Amberlyn and Javian at their jobs. — The Athens State campus is calling. (Elizabeth Hobbs / Hville Blast)

Learning Partner benefits typically include:

10% tuition discount on all classes
Waived application fee
A complimentary evaluation of transfer eligibility of previously-earned educational credits + training/professional certifications
Complimentary access to lab tutors/specialists in our statistics, math + writing labs

What’s different about Athens State’s program: