OTAN Digest August 2026

Meet Jazzmyn Williams

“I believe no matter what situation you're in, I always believe you can find your way out of it.”

A 2023 California Adult Education Students Succeed Nominee

For years, Jazzmyn believed she wasn't capable of learning. Growing up through years of unstable housing, she was once told by a teacher that she hadn't retained anything from class. She carried those words with her for a long time. But as a single mom of three, Jazzmyn decided to rewrite her story. Thanks to personalized support and her own pure grit, she graduated with her High School Diploma and enrolled in a pre-CTE course to pursue her medical program goals.

Jazzmyn’s story is proof that your past does not define your potential. Never let anyone’s old words stop you from writing your next chapter!

Read more about her story

What is Napkin AI?

Napkin AI turns written text into diagrams, flowcharts, mind maps, and infographics without needing complex design prompts. Because it focuses on visual storytelling, teachers can use it to save time and make lessons more engaging.

• Differentiated Learning: Adapt visuals quickly for visual learners, English Language Learners (ELLs), or students with special needs who benefit from non-text cues.
• Concept & Mind Mapping: Paste unit outlines or bullet points to generate visual concept maps that show how historical events, literature themes, or scientific theories connect.
• Presentation Visuals: Instead of bullet-heavy Google Slides or PowerPoint presentations, generate a visual diagram, export it (as PNG, SVG, PDF, or PPT), and drop it directly onto slides.
• Class Newsletters & Policies: Convert long course syllabi, grading policies, or newsletter updates into easy-to-read infographics for parents and guardians.
• PLC & Department Meetings: Present assessment data, curriculum pacing guides, or strategic department goals visually to colleagues during team meetings.

Learn more and try it out free here: www.napkin.ai

What device or connectivity challenges have students in your region faced, and how have those barriers affected participation in classes or services?

Poverty remains a significant barrier for the vast majority of our students. Many work for low wages, often with limited hours and few benefits, and job turnover is frequent. Most have smartphones, but maintaining consistent service is difficult. Some have computers, but they often cannot connect to the internet for two main reasons. First, reliable service is only available near town centers, and second, even when available, many simply cannot afford it.

These challenges limit participation in our online programs for GED preparation (using GED Academy from Essential Education) and access to online coursework through Edmentum. They also restrict students’ ability to attend virtual classes or meet with instructors through Zoom. Connectivity issues make it difficult for learners to register for GED testing, complete USCIS forms for citizenship preparation, or respond to program surveys. Without stable internet, students also miss out on opportunities to conduct research, access community resources, and search or apply for jobs online.

What steps has your program taken to address those challenges, and what strategies have been most effective in expanding access?

At Yreka Adult School, we loan Chromebooks to students who do not have access to a computer. Students are also welcome to use school computers during open hours when space is available, which has been especially helpful for homeless learners. While on-site, they can access the internet, complete coursework, and connect with teachers. We also refer students to the public library and other community spaces with free Wi-Fi to help them stay connected and continue their learning outside of school hours.

– Stephen Hill | Yreka Adult School Teacher and Curriculum Coordinator | Adult Education Pathways Consortium

Interested in getting your students connected? Check out OTAN’s article about California’s initiative “Broadband for all” to increase access to low-cost devices and internet.