The Charleston Job Corps Center (CJCC) operating under Horizons Youth Services (HYS) held a “Yes You Can Conference” Wednesday, July 12, 2017 to support student retention coordinated by Lisa Lewis, Student Personnel Officer. There were 40 students taken off center to the John XXIII Pastoral Center, Charleston, WV for an all day retention conference.

Willie Brown, Center Director opened the conference encouraging the students to make the most of the day and to “have an open mind, you can do it.” Guest speakers and topics included Dr. R Jenee Walker, CAMC “Overcoming Barriers to Success” encouraged the students to seek individuals who believe in their abilities and are willing to encourage their success. She admonished students to “Practice the art of self compassion. Be good to yourself.” Carl Lee, Community Outreach, City of South Charleston and former NFL Pro-bowler presented “Responsibility and Leadership”. He said, “No one is looking for someone to just be good, be great.”

The males and females were separated for a break out session, “What are employers looking for?” facilitated by Frances Brooks, CEO BrooAlexa (males) and Starlena Moore, RN (females) and former Job Corps graduate. BB & T conducted a group session on Banking and Establishing Credit with T. Craig Pettry and Missy Ferguson. Job Corps staff held workshops in the afternoon addressing transition services, advanced training, college opportunities and safety.

The day was filled with positive information, motivation, and words of wisdom to encourage student success and retention. Students were able to receive several gift certificates, gift baskets and donations from Sephora and Macy’s.

Job Corps is a no-cost education and career technical training program administered by the U.S. Department of Labor that helps young people ages 16-24 improve the quality of their lives through career technical and academic training. The Charleston Job Corps Center is overseen by the Philadelphia Regional Office of Job Corps and is operated by Horizons Youth Services.