JOB CORPS 
CJCC Student Success, Julia Fournier
Prior to enrollment Julia worked as a line worker in a restaurant with hopes of doing something better in life. One day a former employee returned to the restaurant for lunch looking professional and well groomed. Julia sparked a conversation and was informed Job Corps helped make this young lady’s dreams come true with career technical training, academics, job placement and independent living skills. This was Julia’s “Aha Moment”. If Job Corps could change the life of her former co-worker she was willing to give it a try.
CJCC students have the opportunity to participate in the Work Based Learning (WBL) program. Julia performed her WBL assignment in the center’s Student Personnel Office and off center at Charleston Dental Associates with dentist Dr. Jackford. Her responsibilities included assisting with tooth extractions, oral cleanings, dental x-rays and verifying cavities with modern technology. Julia says, “My work based learning at Charleston Dental gave me real world experience to apply my career technical training.”
All students are encouraged to pursue center leadership and community service while enrolled at Job Corps. Fournier has gone above and beyond to give back to fellow students, staff and the community. Her center leadership experience began as secretary for the Student Government Association. Her ambition and drive to help students and change center culture fueled her desire to become SGA President. She has served as SGA President from December 2015-August 2016. Her accomplishments as President include increase in positive center culture, more center activities on and off campus, “Coffee with the Pres” to discuss concerns and creating an SGA email for student suggestions. Julia has established a team approach among the executive board. Her mission is “to improve center life by focusing on communication and fostering a positive culture.”
Fournier aims to ensure students feel welcome, respected and heard at the center. Her most memorable experiences include SGA Leadership Camp with student leaders across the county at Camp Horizons, training new enrollees on team building, and listening to students during “Coffee with the Pres.”
CJCC recognizes students who go the extra mile. Fournier has received numerous incentives, certificates and awards during her training at Job Corps. She has served as a volunteer for several activities such as the annual Fair Shake Network, Ice Cream social at the WV Legislature, SGA clothing drive for WV Flood victims (June 2016) and center fundraisers for Breast Cancer.
Job Corps centers across the country encourage youth to pursue advanced training or further their education through our two-year community and technical college partnerships. Fournier will begin BridgeValley CTC on August 22, 2016 majoring in Dental Hygiene. Her future goals include returning home and becoming an oral surgeon.
Tim Walden, SGA Leadership Coordinator says, “Julia always worked hard to ensure the student body feels that they have a voice and that it is heard. Julia will be greatly missed in the coming months while she steps down to attend college, but her team and myself wish her nothing less than success and happiness in this new endeavor. Julia will surely attain any goal she sets in life and I am excited to have the opportunity to cheer her on in the background.”
Julia would like to give a special shout out to the student body for their warm reception of SGA and the Student Personnel Office for her Work Based Learning opportunity. Her words of wisdom to current and future Job Corps students, “You can do what’s right or you can do what’s easy. Choose Wisely!”