When Fiona Erskine walked across the stage to receive her associate degree at Virginia Highlands Community College’s commencement in June 2019, she was celebrating not only her recent achievement, but her persistence to overcome any obstacle that stood in her way. Her journey to this moment began with Job Corps, where Fiona dedicated many hours […]
Region 2: Philadelphia
Julia Vazquez
Inspired by her hardworking and supportive parents to reach her full potential, Julia Vazquez received her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) certification from Smyth County Career & Technology Center in May 2019. That journey began with Job Corps. After joining Blue Ridge Job Corps in September 2016, Julia completed both the Nursing Assistant and Medical Assistant […]
Stephanie Williams
Stephanie Williams was inspired by her grandmother’s battle with cancer to pursue a career in the medical field, and Job Corps helped her get there. After graduating from Mathews High School, Stephanie began taking classes at Rappahannock Community College. Unfortunately, she was unable to finish her degree because her grandmother was diagnosed with lung cancer. […]
Laken Widener
After graduating from Chilhowie High School in 2013, Laken Widener began classes at Radford University. After her first semester, she knew that was not the right path for her, so she decided to return home to take prerequisite classes at Virginia Highlands Community College until she figured out which major she wanted to take. The […]
Evelyn Skinner
Evelyn Skinner attended the Woodstock Job Corps Center, where she earned multiple credentials including Medical Assistant, Nursing Assistant, Electronic Health Records, HIPAA, CPR, and First Aid. Evelyn also served as the president of the center’s Student Government Association. Evelyn wanted to continue her education, so she attended Blue Ridge Job Corps Center’s Advanced Training program […]
Amanda Short
Amanda Short knew she would not be able to raise her three children and give them a better life if she did not make a change. She learned about the Job Corps program through Head Start, her 4-year-old daughter’s preschool, and decided to contact the staff at Carl D. Perkins Job Corps Center. While at […]
Asia Reeves
After graduating from Manchester High School, Asia Reeves wasn’t quite sure what to do next. Her mother, who had graduated from Blue Ridge Job Corps Center, told Asia about the program. She knew it was the best next step for her to have a successful career. While at Blue Ridge, Asia earned credentials in Certified […]
Gabrielle McClary
After graduating from Hampton High School in Hampton, Va., Gabrielle McClary took her mother’s advice and enrolled in Job Corps. She began her training at Blue Ridge Job Corps in September 2016 and was extremely focused on her goals. She completed the Certified Nursing Assistant program and earned her ServSafe, Basic Life Support, CPR, and […]
Paris Grimstead
After a serious automobile accident, Paris Grimstead was unable to care for herself physically and financially. For years, a friend had told her about the benefits of the Job Corps program, so she decided to enroll. “Job Corps gave me a chance to start over and begin a career in the medical field,” Paris said. […]
Tearakah Cuffee
After graduating from Norview Senior High School, Tearakah Cuffee enrolled in the Blue Ridge Job Corps Center on Oct. 17, 2017. She stayed focused and earned her Medical Assistant, PCT, HIPAA, Phlebotomy, ServSafe, and EKG credentials in a little over 6 months. Tearakah completed the Blue Ridge Job Corps program on April 26, 2018, and […]