Seeking direction, homeless, and aged out foster care, Antonio Fortson enrolled in the Cleveland Job Corps Center at the recommendation of his friend Donnell Thompson, a facility maintenance student at the center.

After arriving at the Cleveland Job Corps Center on November 24, 2014, Antonio decided to take full advantage of all that Job Corps had to offer. After completing the Medical Office Support course and obtaining his driver’s license, he entered Cuyahoga Community College West Campus’ Fire Academy program through the Advanced Career Training (ACT) partnership the center has with the college.

Antonio earned his Fire Fighter Type 2 certification from Cuyahoga Community College. On September 18, 2016, he left to begin another chapter in his life with the Advanced Wildland Fire Management Training program at Schenck Job Corps in North Carolina.

Once he completed the Advanced Wildland Fire Management Training program, Antonio returned home to Cleveland and earned his Emergency Medical Technician certification from Cuyahoga Valley Career Center. He is currently enrolled in Lakeland Community College working on his associate degree in their Paramedic program.

Antonio’s advice to new students is, “Do what you came to do and don’t be distracted. Hone-in on your craft because you only get a few chances to succeed”. His story of success is one of resilience, grit, and hope. The once homeless young man never let his past deter him from attaining his goals. “Although, you may be faced with many obstacles, never look back, continue to strive to pursue your education, and achieve your goal,” advises Antonio. “Don’t let setbacks define you.”