The San Diego Job Corps Center in Imperial Beach, CA recently celebrated the summer commencement ceremony for the center’s newest graduates.  Job Corps staff members welcomed the graduates’ families, friends, and supporters to the August 2, 2013 event which was held in the school’s gymnasium.

The 250 summer graduates were the second class to graduate from the San Diego Center this year.  Job Corps offers free academic and Career Technical Training to young people ages 16-24.  The graduates completed one of the 17 Career Technical Training programs offered in the center’s Schools of Business and Hospitality, Health Care, and Construction, while also earning their GED or high school diploma.  Many graduates were unable to attend the ceremony as they have already begun working in their chosen careers.

Two graduates who completed the Pharmacy Technician and Nursing Assistant programs were asked to speak to their fellow graduates.  Both gave moving accounts of their lives before entering Job Corps, and the obstacles they overcame to graduate from the program.  They each expressed their appreciation to the Job Corps staff for the training, encouragement, and support they received during their enrollment. 

Among the guests in attendance were Brandon Primus, Congressional Aide for Congresswoman Susan A. Davis, Sarah Czarnecki, Field Representative for Congressman Scott Peters, Daniel Gaytan, Field Representative for Congressman Juan Vargas, and Caridad Sanchez, District Director for U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer.  Each congratulated and praised the graduates for their accomplishments and offered advice and encouragement.  A congratulatory letter from U.S. Senator Diane Feinstein was also read to the graduates.