In September 2016, Angelus Imaniriho moved to the United States at 20 years old. Before leaving his home in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Angelus was in a refugee camp. Moving to the United States presented several challenges for Angelus. For one, he was in 11th grade back home, but in the United States […]
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Talhah Shahid
A strong work ethic was not new to Talhah Shahid. Before joining Job Corps, he worked as a dishwasher, mover, warehouse hand and janitor, but never felt optimistic about his future professional growth. He worked long hours with low pay, never seeing a high school diploma or career in sight for himself. Unable to save […]
Cristian Aquino
When Cristian Aquino arrived at the Iroquois Job Corps Center in November 2019, he didn’t know what the next year had in store for the world. All the setbacks of the COVID-19 pandemic—including having to finish his career training from home—wouldn’t stop him from completing the program, though. Cristian enrolled in the Carpentry training area […]
Keion Chance
Originally from Brooklyn, N.Y., Keion Chance graduated from high school in 2017 and was working at John F. Kennedy International Airport. One of his friends referred him to Job Corps, and Keion was enticed by doing a trade and liked the idea that the training program was free. In October 2019, he decided to join […]
Vernon Taylor
“It [Job Corps] was the best decision I ever made.” Vernon Taylor showed up to work one day at Long John Silver’s and everything was being taken down. The restaurant was closing without notice. Vernon had quit high school in ninth grade and was working there to help support his family. Without a job, Vernon’s […]
Jordan Hood
“This is probably real emotional, but before I went to Job Corps I had dropped out of school because my brother had been murdered.” After Jordan Hood’s brother passed away, he knew he needed to do something more. Jordan found out about Job Corps from scrolling online and decided to attend Muhlenberg Job Corps to […]
Tyrek Swanigan
Tyrek Swanigan went from being mentored to dedicating his career to mentoring and helping youth—a full-circle moment inspired by one of his Job Corps work-based learning experiences and one of his first jobs. At IndyPendence Job Corps, Tyrek spread his positivity throughout campus as the Spirit King. He worked with the leadership team to make […]
Rashawn Williams
Rashawn Williams was working at fast food restaurants in Colorado after high school but knew he wanted more. One customer changed his life after suggesting he check out Job Corps. Rashawn was already looking into programs and was very interested in firefighting. Once he found out about Collbran Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center and its […]
Ishmael Ramirez
“Whatever it is that makes you uncomfortable, even though it’s uncomfortable, that’s what you need to do. It’s learning all the things you’re not good at.” Ishmael Ramirez is comfortable now living in Denver, Colo., with his wife and two children. He has a great job working for Jefferson County Road & Bridge, where he’s […]
George Calix
From a teen in the division of youth corrections to a supervisor of a commercial maintenance company, George Calix proved he could take advantage of an opportunity in front of him and succeed. George got in trouble with law enforcement, was on probation, and eventually was placed in the division of youth corrections around 16 […]