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 […]
Region 5: Chicago
Kadar Chavis
With no plans for the future after dropping out of high school, Kadar Chavis found himself at a crossroads as he tried to figure out which way his life was headed. That was until his foster mother signed him up for Job Corps, helping him choose a path of stability and success with a career […]
Gabe Mendoza
Job Corps prepared Gabe Mendoza for a successful future in several ways beyond career training. Gabe says it taught him how to reflect on himself and gain skills in working with others. “I have learned how to process my emotions, which I believe has contributed in a big way to my success. Overall, I have […]
Tre Benjamin
When first arrived at the Gulfport Job Corps Center, he was determined to better himself. He immediately began pursuing his goals to find a purpose and jumpstart his career. Tre was born in Naples, Italy, and grew up in a military family that was always traveling from one place to the next. As he got […]
Mekayla Gresham
Down on her luck and lacking clarity for her future, Mekayla Gresham was homeless and encountering countless dead ends. That was until she saw an advertisement for Job Corps on television. Job Corps offered Mekayla a safe place to live, free meals and career training, and ultimately, a community. Mekayla enrolled at Brunswick Job Corps […]
Frederica Okine
When Frederica Okine moved from Ghana to the United States, she brought with her a passion for helping others and a desire to go into the medical field. Her grandmother told her about Job Corps, and after researching it online, she knew it was the place she needed to be. “I researched Job Corps and […]
Deandre Gwynn
“Before Job Corps, interacting with others was a challenge. Now, it’s one of my favorite parts of my job.” Job Corps not only gave Deandre Gwynn the technical skills for his career but helped him gain the interpersonal skills and professionalism that he uses every day. Deandre initially went to college as his “plan A,” […]
Tattianna Thompson
Determined to get a career and earn her high school diploma, Tattianna Thompson enrolled at the Cleveland Job Corps Center on March 11, 2019. During her time at Job Corps, she earned her high school diploma from Penn Foster and trained in the center’s Certified Nurse Assistant program. As part of her training, she obtained […]
Donald Evans
Donald Evans dropped out of school during his junior year but promised his grandmother he would eventually earn his high school diploma. On Nov. 5, 2018, he walked through the door of the Cleveland Job Corps Center in order to keep that promise. While at Cleveland, Donald earned his high school diploma through Penn Foster […]
Kaylyn Hicks
“Even three years later, if I ever need something in the community, I normally call Job Corps first … they still continue to be my connection to the community.” Kaylyn Hicks graduated from IndyPendence Job Corps in 2018 and continues to have a great relationship with the center, its staff and her former classmates. Kaylyn […]