When David Dressendorfer arrived at the Springdale Job Corps Center in Oregon, he hadn’t completed high school and was without a permanent residence. He was lost, but his mother’s fiancé told him about a program he had done as a young man also looking for direction—Job Corps.
He left his hometown of Pocatello, Idaho, and set out to find a career and a passion. Once on campus, David graduated with the highest high school diploma equivalency test scores that the Springdale Job Corps Center has seen in over six years. “David came to Job Corps with an open mind for change, and he was always looking for ways to improve not only within his training but as a person,” said Protective Services Instructor Sabrina Smith.
He excelled in the Security and Protective Services training but found skills outside of the classroom as well. While on campus, he worked in the kitchen part time and used it as an opportunity to build social and communication skills. He also obtained his driver’s license and was nominated for Student Government Association treasurer by his peers. He also met his now fiancée, who was also a Springdale Job Corps student.
By participating in extracurriculars and becoming involved on campus, he gained the confidence that would help him thrive in job interviews. He dreamed of returning to his hometown but knew he wouldn’t feel ready unless he did all the preparations and set himself up to have a stable income for himself and his family once he returned.
His dreams came true—he graduated from Job Corps in March of 2021 with a full-time security position lined up at Securitas in Pocatello and dreams of pursuing higher education there one day and earn his undergraduate degree.
David’s dedication to bettering himself did not go unnoticed. Upon his graduation, his center nominated him for the Graduate of the Quarter award for the National Job Corps Association. David would recommend that anyone looking to take a chance on themselves consider joining Job Corps. He said, “Opportunity, when seized by those with determination, work ethic and integrity, are among the most success prone individuals. Job Corps provides the opportunity.”
Graduated from Job Corps in: March 2021 Employer: Securitas Hometown: Pocatello, Idaho Phone: 253-970-3524 Submitted by: Sellars Huy Notes:
Source: Center Graduate of the Quarter, 503-197-3116