“Without the residential counselors at the Cleveland Job Corps Center, I probably would have given up or just lost the passion to be there,” explained Cierra Jones. “They helped keep me engaged.”

Before enrolling into the Cleveland Job Corps, Cierra lived with her mother and twin sister in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. Cierra’s older brother Dominque, who attended Job Corps in Dayton, Ohio, encouraged her to apply for Job Corps because of all the benefits, accomplishments, and opportunities he acquired. After graduating from Cleveland Heights High School, Cierra made her way to the Cleveland Job Corps Center. She stated, “I knew that after graduation I would eventually have to leave the nest, but with no direction I knew Job Corps would be a good fit.”

When Cierra arrived at the Cleveland Job Corps Center on November 5, 2018, she did not know where she fit in. She joined Guided Steps, a club where Job Corps students volunteer at the Cleveland Food Bank and Salvation Army. She was also the President of G-Dorm. “My memberships helped me become more determined, learn responsibility, time management and interpersonal skills,” explained Cierra.

After completing the Medical Administrative Assistant course, she knew that aspect of healthcare was not for her. Cierra wanted something more demanding and physical while also being able to use her mind in terms of problem solving with math skills, so she enrolled in carpentry. Cierra earned her Medical Administrative Assistant, Carpentry, HIPPA, NHA, Green Awareness, Scaffold Safety – OSHA 29, Achieved HILTI DX 460 Operator, and OSHA 10 Construction credentials.

“It’s ok to venture out… try different things until you figure out who you are,” stated Cierra Jones. After completing the program on October 9, 2020, Cierra attained a carpenter position at Dreamer Construction. Cierra aspires to study psychology and to one day own a home.