Little did I know the advice and encouragement I received from the staff at the Cleveland Job Corps Center would affect me so greatly in life,” described twenty-nine-year-old Jordan Powell. The 2012 Pharmacy Technician graduate now has three children. Jordan is a full-time college student at Indiana Wesleyan University and works part-time as a loan officer at Synchrony in the Credit Solutions Department. He has also become a successful entrepreneur. Jordan is the proud owner of Fresh Start Media. His company develops and manages websites. In May, Jordan began another business adventure co-founded by Dezyne Co., an apparel company.

During his journey at the Cleveland Job Corps Center, Jordan found himself stepping outside of his comfort zone thanks to the staff and the programs. “In the beginning, I kept to myself, I didn’t engage or socialize,” recalled Jordan. “I didn’t believe I had a voice, not to mention I had a public speaking phobia.” After receiving guidance from staff, Jordan began building his confidence and realizing his potential. He joined the Student Government Association and began participating in community service events.

“The biggest take away from my experience at the Cleveland Job Corps wasn’t just the trade, it was the people I met, the friends I made, and the talents I was developing and discovering because of the wonderful support I received from the staff,” divulged Jordan. “Without the staff’s encouragement and support, I don’t think I would have ever started my company, nor would I have been able to take on the leadership role of being a Chief Operating Officer of an apparel company. I am grateful every day for my Cleveland Job Corps experience and I encourage young people I meet to seek the Job Corps experience especially, if they don’t know what or where they want to be in life yet.”

Job Corps was a great experience for Jordan that he would not trade for the world. In fact, he hopes to one day return to the Cleveland Job Corps Center as an employee so that he too can positively impact the lives of others.