Alec Lopez always felt called to help people, but as a young adult he found himself struggling to find a job that was the right fit. He started off on the path of a certified nurse assistant (CNA), but soon decided it wasn’t for him. Throughout his life, he often dreamed of working in a security-related field such as being a police officer, correctional officer, or parole officer, which led him to start looking into those fields seriously after he decided against being a CNA. Alec came across an ad for Job Corps online, and his security industry dreams started to look like a reality. 
Alec found the Security and Protective Services training program at the Carl D. Perkins Job Corps Center. He completed the Security and Protective Services training and obtained multiple certifications. After Job Corps, he went on to earn his associate degree in criminal justice from Big Sandy Community and Technical College.
He found his footing as a leader at Job Corps and served as a recreation leader, safety cadet, and Youth 2 Youth Partners 4 Peace coalition member, and guarded the Welcome Center security shack. Alec credits Job Corps for helping him clearly define and outline his goals while also supporting his career aspirations.
“Before attending Job Corps and completing the Security program, I never thought about furthering my education, let alone attending college to earn a degree! The encouragement I received from the Perkins staff showed me I could do things I had never even thought of.”
Upon graduating from Job Corps in May of 2018, Alec decided to continue his education and enrolled at Eastern Kentucky University. He quickly found his place on campus, becoming an orientation leader and member of Tau Sigma Honor Society. He graduated this past December with his Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice and police studies. He stayed committed to his education and was on the dean’s list every semester.
Alec remains in Richmond, Ky., and is in the process of interviewing for a human trafficking investigator position and hopes to stay in the homeland security industry.
“My life after Job Corps has changed in a drastically positive way. Not only do I have an education, but my outlook on life is much better than before, even despite the pandemic. Job Corps gave me the tools I needed to be successful no matter what comes my way.”
His best advice to younger and prospective Job Corps students is if you “apply the skills Job Corps teaches you, not just in class or work, but in life, you will know what it means to succeed!”
Graduated from Job Corps in: 2018 Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA Email: Fannin.Tiffany@jobcorps.org Notes:
Source: ODLE