“After the loss of my brother I had no direction or aspirations,” said Bryan Hicks. “My sister-in-law Robbin Pettit, who is a graduate of the Cleveland Job Corps Center’s Home Health Aid program encouraged me to enroll in Job Corps.”

On May 21, 2018, Bryan entered the gates of the Cleveland Job Corps Center, where he earned a High School Diploma from Penn Foster in addition to obtaining credentials in Carpentry and Occupational Safety Health Administration (OSHA) 10. Wanting to not only make a change but to also be a change and a voice for students, Bryan served as Dorm Leader on the VP section of H-Dorm, Peer Mentor, G-Dorm President, Safety Cadet, and Student Government Association Sargent of Arms for 2 years. Bryan graduated on March 16, 2020. He advises students to not focus on the bad things, but to focus on the good.

“My plans are to work with my father one day and carpentry is helping me reach my goals,” explained Bryan. The twenty-year-old will continue his education at P.R.Y.D.E Mentoring Academy to obtain additional certifications in Carpentry, Renovate, Repair and Painting (RRP), Lead Abatement Worker, and Lead Abatement Contractor.

He wishes to pay homage to his sister-in-law for not letting him quit the program. Bryan also extends gratitude to both of his Carpentry Instructors, Daniel Volpe and David Lummus, and the center staff and students that were there for him.