Two students from Bamberg Job Corps Center are well on their way by being accepted into the Project HOPE Program. The two students are Taura Simmons who separated from Bamberg Job Corps in August 2011 and Sheila Rogers who separated from Bamberg Job Corps in November 2011. Taura Simmons, 21, is a native of Hollywood, SC. She received her certificate in Culinary Arts. Sheila Rogers, 21, is native of Chester, SC. She received her certificate in Office Administration. Both students will be marching in the Winter Graduation on January 27, 2012.

Ms. Wilma Goodwin, Career Counselor with the SC Department of Social Services spoke with our students who have an interest in the health careers on Wednesday, October 12, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. Her sole purpose was to inform the students about Project HOPE.

Project HOPE will help motivated young people obtain healthcare industry recognized certificates and degrees through training so that they may fill high demand healthcare positions. Project HOPE is a statewide initiative that involves collaboration with several agencies.

The target population includes youth ages 17-25. Project HOPE is a unique program consisting of five phases: *Recruitment/Selection *Boot Camp *Introduction to Health Care, *Healthcare Career Preparation and *Employment Readiness and Placement.

Approximately 12 students listen attentively to Ms. Goodwin as she shared how they can participate in the program. The students who are now Job Corps students do have an interest in receiving training through Project HOPE in one of the following health careers:
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA, Nursing Preparation /Pre-nursing, EKG Technician
Nurse Aid Assistance, Emergency Medical Technician, Medical Assisting, Medical Office Admin. Assistant and other health fields.