“My advice to someone interested in Job Corps: Jump headfirst into it. Don’t look back. Once you start, hang on to this experience. It’s just a tiny part of your life, but it will follow you and help you from here on out.” Growing up in Montclair, N.J., Sarina Benenati struggled to fit in with […]
Construction
Ricky Gass
Ricky Gass had no clue that his time at Job Corps would come to an end due to a global pandemic, but he also didn’t know he would end up working at a top solar installation company in New Jersey, Solar Landscape, making $65 an hour. Before coming to Job Corps, Ricky was working at […]
Rashaad Smith
Originally from Natchez, Miss., Rashaad Smith stumbled upon Job Corps after searching the internet for job opportunities. He had never heard of Job Corps before but was intrigued by the program and the free training. After graduating from high school in 2013, Rashaad was doing temporary work. He worked at a Walmart distribution center and […]
Nicholas Hassel
“Just last year, I was sleeping on friends’ couches, and even worse I ended up homeless living in a homeless shelter. That’s when I realized I needed a career that would change my life.” Nicolas Hassel had become homeless in 2019 and was seeking a different future. He didn’t have many options but knew he […]
Cia-Simone Newell
Cia-Simone Newell was ready for a change. On March 5, 2019, she arrived at the Cleveland Job Corps Center to study Building Construction Technology. She had previously graduated from Bedford High School and was excited to pursue additional education. Cia-Simone was ready to train hard and wasted no time earning credentials in Building Construction Technology, […]
Isaiah Amill
A high school dropout, Isaiah Amill was struggling to figure out what he wanted in life and what career goals to pursue. Then, he heard about Job Corps from his sister, a 2010 Home Health Aide graduate of the program. “My sister loved the program,” Isaiah explained. “She encouraged me to attend and told me […]
Alexandra Perry
Alexandra Perry always had her sights set on becoming a carpenter. But without the necessary training, she struggled to find job opportunities. “It was hard trying to get into the trades without being trained because you have to know someone, and there are few resources within the community.” Seeking to gain the hands-on experience she […]
Ricky Tracy
Ricky Tracy had never flown on a plane or even left the state of Kentucky before Job Corps. His time with Job Corps would not only prepare him for his future career but would provide memorable experiences that he says he’ll always appreciate. Originally from Mount Sterling, Ky., Ricky has always been a go-getter and […]
Maurice Jasmann
Maurice Jasmann grew up on a dairy farm in North Dakota. One of 13 children, Maurice was often labeled “the problem child.” He spent most of his teenage years getting in trouble until he eventually found himself in a juvenile prison. It was here that two police officers sat him down and told him “You’re […]
Erek Ellery
Erek Ellery always knew that he was capable of achieving more in his life. Growing up in Utah, he was an avid outdoorsman; but he was never able to marry his love for the outdoors with a fulfilling purpose or career. After some searching and asking around, an old friend from high school mentioned Job […]