A Sturgeon Bay resident who began her academic journey in a high school equivalency program (HSED) is now earning national recognition for her achievements at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College.
Jennifer Bacon, a student in NWTC’s cybersecurity associate degree program, has been named to the 2026 Coca-Cola Academic Team and will receive a $1,300 scholarship. She is scheduled to graduate next month with a 4.0 GPA and plans to transfer to Western Governors University this fall to pursue a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity and information assurance.
Bacon said her path to higher education was not traditional.
“I was homeschooled since I was 15,” she said. “I do remember people telling me that I would fail."
She later decided to return to school through NWTC’s HSED program, crediting encouragement from a mentor for helping her take the first step.
“Something was missing, I now had the time, and Nancy Brennan told me that I could do it, and we’d do it together,” Bacon said. “And guess what? I did it. I got my GED.”
Bacon said the experience at NWTC helped restore her confidence and motivated her to continue her education.
“NWTC gave me the confidence to walk back through those doors,” she said.
In addition to the Coca-Cola Academic Team honor, Bacon is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, has been named to the All-Wisconsin Academic Team, nominated for the All-USA Academic Team and received NWTC’s STAR Award.
She balanced her coursework while undergoing breast cancer treatment, an experience she said strengthened her resolve to succeed.
Bacon’s story highlights the importance of accessible education pathways for nontraditional students and the impact of perseverance.
“Being recognized as part of the Coca-Cola Academic Team is surreal,” Bacon said. “I am very grateful and humbled, and proof that when someone works hard and believes in themselves, other people will believe in you too.”
Bacon said she hopes to build a career in cybersecurity focused on threat intelligence and digital forensics, while also helping others feel safer and more confident online.
“I want to protect people and give people confidence, just like people gave me,” she said. “That’s what NWTC did for me.”
