This study examines the theme of perseverance and school success for adults, while exploring factors contributing to the success of a project providing training for adults with little education. In this context, case studies were conducted with six adults registered for semi-specialized trade courses. Interviews with the adults in the study and a discussion with their teaching team provided an opportunity to explore these students’ life paths, particularly their educational paths. In addition to the main theoretical and methodological aspects, we also present several results from the study. Childhood and adult biographies of the participants are exposed and analyzed based on intrapersonal, interpersonal and institutional factors affecting their scholastic success and perseverance. These results revealed several intervention and research possibilities, which are also presented in this article.