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 […]
Region 2: Philadelphia
James Jackson
Growing up in West Virginia, James Jackson never really put much thought into what he would be doing in the future. He never felt that he had many options for career paths, which resulted in his working multiple low-paying jobs with no real possibility for growth for most of his younger years. Then, at his […]
Gavin Walden
Gavin Walden went from lacking direction and wanting a different purpose for his future to being a leader in so many ways, thanks to Job Corps. At 16, Gavin was behind on his education, struggling with drug abuse, and constantly fighting. But Gavin made the decision to take back his life, and that’s just what […]
Rebecca Badasu
Rebecca Badasu moved from Ghana to the United States with her family as a young adult. She got a job making $7.25 per hour, which was barely enough to pay her bills, and she needed to find a way to become financially independent. Taking her father’s advice, Rebecca left home to pursue her education at […]
Carla V. Lopez
“Job Corps is the best opportunity I have ever received. I will always recommend Job Corps to others, and even with my patients, I share my experience. I will always be thankful.” Carla Lopez uses the skills she acquired through her Job Corps training daily in her career, such as preparing and helping patients, sanitizing […]
Brittney Funderburg
Brittney Funderburg enrolled in the Philadelphia Job Corps Life Science Institute to earn her national certification as an emergency medical technician (EMT). After graduating from Job Corps with her EMT certification, she worked for two ambulance companies and was hired at Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital in Pennsylvania. Brittney has worked at the hospital for 3 years […]
Taiesha Michael
When Taiesha Michael dropped out of high school and wasn’t able to find a job, she realized she needed career training and decided to enroll at Job Corps. Taiesha arrived at the Blue Ridge Job Corps Center determined to succeed. She earned her high school diploma, completed both the Clinical Medical Assistant and Medical Office […]
Beatrice Aboagye
Beatrice Aboagye moved to the United States from Ghana, Africa, when she was 13. After earning her high school diploma, she initially decided not to pursue any additional education, because adjusting to school in the U.S. had been challenging for her. So, she went directly into the workforce, working for tips as a server at […]
Amanda Umbrello
Amanda Umbrello always knew she wanted to do something that would help others, but her resources were limited. “When I was a child, I was adopted into a very large family, so money was tight,” Amanda said. “I knew I would have to be independent and work hard to achieve my goals.” During her high […]
Jennifer Hallmark
Jennifer Hallmark moved in with her older sister when she was 14 because her mother was hospitalized. She was being homeschooled during this time, but soon stopped her studies to work. It wasn’t very long before Jennifer realized that most jobs required a high school diploma or GED, so she applied for the Job Corps […]