Don Young Job Corps boasts successes during graduation

It’s been a turbulent year for the students and staff at the Don Young Job Corps, as Job Corps Centers across the country faced closure and the possibility of losing a valued program that provides education and job training to federal cuts earlier this year.

But on Friday, November 7, the accomplishments of more than 80 graduates took center stage as staff, students, families, and community supporters came out to celebrate the dedication and hard work of the students

Center Director Bobbie Irvin stated “It has been a tough year for Job Corps, but we want to put that all behind us and celebrate the successes of our students who have endured so much.” He noted that while the year came with ups and downs, and the graduation numbers were slightly lower as a result of the temporary halt to the program, he proudly said that the Don Young Alaska Job Corps center is “open for business again and taking applications for all of our vocational training programs,” noting that more and more students are entering the program each week.

“What an amazing day this is for you, your family, and all the faculty who worked with you each and every day along your educational journey,” said Irvin during his remarks. He said that for some, graduation means a high school diploma or GED, a new skill set, and an occupation that will help them sustain life for years to come, noting that several graduates could not attend as they have moved on to college, advanced training at other Job Corps Centers, or entered the military.

He commended the students for their perseverance and hard work, and said he and all the staff were proud of the graduates for sticking with the program and fulfilling their dreams.

“The journey was difficult, and probably took more time than you expected, came with more sacrifices than you probably wanted to endure, but in the end, you did it.”

Class Speaker Ravyn Kennedy, graduating from the Clinical Medical Assistant Program spoke about her journey through the program.

“Job Corps challenged me in ways I never thought I would be challenged—mentally, physically, emotionally. But at the end of the day, I came out of here with a career that will never fail.”

She became emotional when speaking about those who helped her along the way, thanking her family who were able to be present, and one member who was called home to God. “Thank you guys for putting up with me, with my struggles through CMA, and always being the rock that pushed me through everything with unwavering faith that I could do it. You pushed me day in and day out, until I completed my final test.”

She praised the Job Corps program, the staff, and for the opportunity to better herself and prepare for the future, as well as the people she met, studied with and the patients she works with today. “I think about all the times I wanted to quit, but if I had, I would not have had the opportunity to meet all the amazing people, learned important life lessons, or be where I’m at now.”

Kennedy left her fellow graduates and current students with a valuable piece of advice-never give up. “Yes, Job Corps is hard. It’s a mental and physical battle day in and day out…but if you put your mind to it, you can do it. You will never make it in life if you walk away, give up, and quit.” She also encouraged them to think about the career…and the money.

“We have amazing young adults here who are making a difference in their lives. My staff and I are so pleased to see these graduates move on to bigger and better life choices because of their training accomplishments. We also want to recognize our future program participants as we work to train Alaskans for Alaska jobs,” said Irvin.

Operated by Chugach Training and Education Solutions, LLC, the Don Young Alaska Job Corps Center provides free career and technical training, education, and life-skills programs for low-income individuals between the ages of 16 to 24 in the following career fields:

Building Construction Technology, Pre-Apprentice

Electrical, Pre-Apprentice

Welding

Water and Wastewater Treatment/Systems

Culinary Arts, Pre-Apprentice

Certified Nursing Assistant

Clinical Medical Assistant

Security and Protective Services