For six decades, Job Corps has been a beacon of hope and opportunity, transforming the lives of countless young individuals across the nation. It is with great pride and excitement that we launch our ‘Journey Through Time’ series on social media, a campaign that will run over the next two months, showcasing the incredible stories of our alumni and the impact Job Corps has had on their lives.
Each week, we will share inspiring stories from our students and alumni, highlighting their journeys, achievements, and the profound effect Job Corps has had in shaping their futures. From the early days of Job Corps, established in 1964 as part of President Johnson’s War on Poverty, to the present day, our posts will reflect on the rich history and enduring legacy of this transformative program.
As we celebrate this remarkable milestone, I encourage you to follow us on social media, engage with the stories, and share them with your networks. Together, let’s amplify the voices of our alumni and celebrate the legacy of Job Corps.
Eraune Santos turned his carpentry skills learned at Turner Job Corps into a successful business. He went to Job Corps in 1998, and within 7 months, he completed the carpentry trade. As part of his schooling, he was then able to work with a contractor on campus for a year, helping to remodel the Turner campus. After that, the contractor hired him full-time. Eraune credits all that he learned at Job Corps for making him the proud owner of a repossession and towing company for over 21 years.
Francisco Sosa, a Paul Simon Chicago Job Corps alum, now helps guide new students on their career paths, continuing the Job Corps legacy of mentorship. Francisco Sosa has worked for the Paul Simon Chicago Job Corps since the year it opened 24 years ago. Prior to that, he was a two-time alumnus, getting his initial office administration trade certification just six months after starting at the Joliet Job Corps in 1997. From there, he went onto the Hubert Humphrey Job Corps for advanced training in IT. Today, Francisco is a student recruitment representative and believes his passion for the program is helping youth find their way.
34-year-old Megan Beam is the Career Technical Training Manager at Denison Job Corps. She is also an alumnus from 2006 and 2007. “I came to Job Corps because I was being bullied at high school,” said Megan, “and, had it not been for Job Corps, I would not have a high school diploma to further my education later in life.” After Job Corps, Megan went onto receive a college degree in Human Resources. She wanted to work for Denison Job Corps because she feels very strongly about helping the students there.
Meet Angel Spell, a security student at the Pittsburgh Job Corps aiming for a career in cybersecurity. Angel’s resilience and ambition embody the spirit of Job Corps. Angel serves as resident ambassador to the Student Government Association. Angel notes that rejoining Job Corps has been immensely beneficial, expressing a deeper appreciation for the program’s opportunities.
From learning recipes to dreaming of her own bakery, Yasmine Wallace at Pittsburgh Job Corps shows us how culinary training is more than just about food; it’s about building futures. As we celebrate the 60th year of Job Corps, we spoke with 24-year-old Yasmine, who has been at the Pittsburgh Job Corps for just three months and has already noticed a positive change in herself.
Dominique Stanton from Paul Simon Chicago Job Corps is making strides in pharmacy tech, proving that Job Corps not only educates but also empowers. Since coming to Job Corps, Dominique has learned that she has leadership skills and loves helping people. She serves as the dorm president. Dominique is currently doing an internship at a local CVS drug store.