Graduating from Challenge IV is a major milestone— but it’s not the end of the journey for Classical Conversations students. Families often ask, “What’s next for my student after Challenge IV?” The good news is that there is a place for CC alumni to continue learning, growing, and connecting.
The Classical Conversations Alumni Network is a growing hub designed to support homeschool students in their college transitions by providing mentorship and networking within a strong classical education community.
Connecting the Classical Education Community Beyond Graduation
At the heart of the Classical Conversations Alumni Network is a simple mission: to connect CC graduates and their families to meaningful opportunities, Christ-centered education, and a thriving classical education community.
This vibrant community encourages homeschool graduates to grow in faith and purpose alongside others striving to live for Christ.
The Odyssey Year: A Launchpad for Christian Homeschool Graduates
One standout opportunity for recent homeschool graduates is the CC Plus Undergraduate Program, specifically its unique Odyssey Year. This year-long bridge between Challenge and college life helps students grow in biblical leadership, personal development, and self-assurance.
The Odyssey program provides a launchpad into lifelong leadership and faithful adulthood by helping students navigate life after homeschool and strengthen their faith during college or professional training options.
“Whether your student is headed to college, ministry, a trade, or entrepreneurial pursuits, Odyssey provides a bridge of purpose.”
Meet the Students: Homeschool Graduates Share College Success Stories
Want a glimpse into the Odyssey experience? Meet Josh, Elcie, and Wyatt—three students who embraced their Challenge transition with courage, curiosity, and Christ-centered purpose and are now thriving in their next season.
Josh – Building Community in a Digital and Physical World
A Michigan graduate, Josh was eager to maintain strong fellowship and community after Challenge IV. His Odyssey Year helped him discover the value of both virtual and face-to-face discipleship:
“God created humans to be social creatures, calling them to meet together in church and elsewhere… ‘as iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another’ (Proverbs 27:17).”
Josh discovered that community can flourish—even across screens—when Christ is at the center:
“The love of Christ is so powerful that it can touch souls, even across virtual platforms… Knowing and keeping a healthy balance between the two is key to developing a healthy social and spiritual life in the post-millennial age.”
Elcie – Discovering Hospitality and Purpose
For Elcie, a North Carolina student, Odyssey helped her pivot from a business major to a new passion in hospitality in Washington. Her nine-month internship allowed her to practice forward-facing service and behind-the-scenes preparation:
“We are the face, hands, and feet at Black Diamond Camp, and we are serving God’s purpose through it all!”
From interviewing and moving across the country to managing guest arrivals and serving behind the scenes, Elcie gained real-world experience and deep spiritual insight:
“I have learned so much about myself, about ministry and camp life, and I am so excited to see what the rest of the internship has in store!”
Wyatt – Traveling the Missionary Journeys of Paul
Florida graduate Wyatt used the Odyssey Leadership Year to gain confidence navigating travel in the U.S. before heading abroad for a college course in biblical history:
“Through the four excursions, I learned how to navigate airports… getting to experience those prepared me to confidently get to my final destination on my own.”
In his second year as a CC Plus undergrad, Wyatt traveled to Greece to retrace the missionary journeys of Paul and stood on the Areopagus, where Paul once preached.
“Acts 17 truly came alive. I was adequately prepared to go overseas independently, learn biblical history on-site, and bring that leadership experience home.”
Discover Cultural Compass: Stories from CC Plus Students
Want to hear more from classical education alumni who are navigating life after Challenge? Visit the Cultural Compass blog. Created to connect college culture to Christ—one student at a time—Cultural Compass features reflections from Odyssey students on:
- Faith and leadership development
- Internship and travel experiences
- Theological insights and book discussions
- Real-life stories of homeschool graduates’ college success
Through these stories, Cultural Compass reminds us that a student’s learning and spiritual formation don’t end after graduation—they continue, deepen, and expand.
Come join Josh, Elcie, Wyatt, and others who are learning how to live faithfully in the world while staying connected to their classical education community.
Learn More:
- Odyssey: A Christian Gap Year Program for Graduates
- A Powerful Partnership: SEU and CC Plus
- CC Plus: College Credit for Homeschoolers
