Cluny Joseph-Savage needed a change. She felt out of place among her inner-city peers and struggled to stay out of trouble. One incident led to Cluny’s going before a judge to determine her future. Her social worker argued for Cluny to get a fresh start by attending Job Corps. “She was my saving grace. That […]
African-American
Shakirah Wilson
Shakirah Wilson is the founder of Patient-Centered Care Staffing Agency in Mayfield Heights, Ohio, which provides staffing and services to health care facilities including skilled nursing, long-term care, assisted living, medical offices and vaccination services. Shakirah has several degrees, including her licensed practical nurse (LPN), registered nurse (R.N.) and Bachelor of Science in nursing (BSN). […]
Timothy Braddock
“Just because of where you start, doesn’t mean you have to finish there. You can change.” Timothy Braddock is a chief in the United States Navy. He currently leads a team of 42 people helping those with catastrophic injuries. He’s using 100% of the skills he learned through Job Corps in his job today. Before […]
Xavier Edwards
A Job Corps experience so nice, he did it twice! When Xavier Edwards graduated from high school in Charlotte, N.C., he was looking for a more cost-effective education path than college. His mom did some research and introduced him to Job Corps. Xavier moved to Brevard, N.C., and completed the Culinary Arts program at Schenk […]
Alex James
After graduating from high school, Alex James worked at Walmart, JCPenney and a Vietnamese restaurant. He quickly realized he wanted more out of life. He didn’t just want a job; he wanted a career. “I felt like I wasn’t living up to my full potential. I wanted to do something different and find something with […]
Ashley Reid
“I see myself being the best nurse at a hospital in North Carolina,” Ashley said as she reflected on her goals from her New York City apartment. Ashley grew up in Long Island, N.Y., and dreams of getting away from the chaos of the city. Job Corps was the first step in Ashley’s journey to […]
Michael Ponder
Michael Ponder is booked and busy. He’s the head chef at a senior living community, the owner of his own catering business and the father of a 3-year-old son—and he’s not stopping there. Fresh off winning “Best Dessert” for his banana pudding at a prestigious local event, “Mr. Pudding”—as the community has begun to call […]
Emilie Konan
Emilie Konan arrived on campus at Blue Ridge Job Corps with her sister in tow and zero English between the two of them. She was nervous—about the language barrier, the new environment and her new course of study. But she was excited too, and with her sister by her side at Job Corps, she set […]
Christian Rijo
Christian Rijo was always hardworking. Before graduating from high school, he trained in carpentry and maintenance. He realized he wanted to pursue a career in construction, so he enrolled at Iroquois Job Corps Center in New York in the Electrical program with Home Builders Institute. Along with his training in Electrical, Christian earned credentials […]
Tyreek James
“I was stuck, and it was terrible. To sum it up, nothing was happening. I spent three years feeling like I was wasting my life.” Tyreek spent most of his time taking care of his cousin at home. He was living in a “dead area” with no work opportunities around him. Realizing Tyreek needed help […]