JOB CORPS 
Local officials, business leaders, Job Corps staff and family members joined students graduating from Edison Job Corps Academy in Edison, NJ on Tuesday, August 30th to celebrate National Job Corps Commencement Day.
Job Corps is a unique national program that provides a safe environment for unemployed, undereducated, low-income youth to prepare for successful careers or further education. Approximately 60,000 students complete the Job Corps program each year at one of 124 centers across the country. Nationally, about 86% of Job Corps graduates go on to find and keep jobs continue to higher education or enlist in the military.
Adrian Hughes, General Manager of Hyatt in New Brunswick, delivered the graduation commencement speech and acknowledged the accomplishments of graduates and the support provided by staff and parents. Mr. Hughes speech was also full of encouragement to stay strong against difficulties graduates may encounter with their journey of career success. His closing remarks included an unforgettable poem by Maya Angelou entitled “Still I Rise.” While reciting the poem Mr. Hughes reminded the audience that life is full of obstacles and people that may not want you to succeed. However no matter what life throws at you, one should always have hope, stay strong and do not give up.
This message was quintessential, considering that since Job Corps was created 47 years ago, it has served more than 3 million out-of-work young adults and underserved youth nationally. Many are high-school dropouts or public-assistance recipients, and Job Corps provides an opportunity and encouragement for youth to become active contributors to their community.
The August 30th graduation marks the first time ever that the majority of the nation’s 124 Job Corps centers held commencement celebrations on the same day.
Edison Township Mayor, Antonia Ricigliano who delivered congratulatory message two years in the row, also celebrated Edison Job Corps graduates’ success by once again recognizing them for their determination in achieving their goals.
In attendance were also Scarlett Rajski, Special Projects Director from Senator Robert Menendez Office and Danita Torres, Constituent Service Director from Congressman Albio Sires, who distributed congressional certificates to graduates from Congressmen Sires district. In addition to congratulatory message from Congressmen Sires and Senator Menendez, Edison Job Corps received letters from Congressmen Frank Pallone Jr., Scott Garrett, Robert Andrews, Bill Pascrell J. as well as New Jersey Governor, Chris Christie.
Edison Job Corps Academy has proudly provided an outstanding education to underprivileged youth from the State of New Jersey since 1965 at what used to be a military Camp Kilmer as well as Hungarian refugee camp. Today, Edison Job Corps Academy promotes local job creation and economic support. For every dollar invested in the average Job Corps center, almost $2 is returned to the local economy.
The many memorable messages delivered from guests and staff presenters were an inspiration not only to graduates and their families but to the current students who participated in the ceremony. This includes special remarks from Center Director, Jibu Kuruvilla who said
“Remember you are the creator of your own destiny. Live your life in a way that gets you to your desired destination through making smart decisions and being truthful with yourself and everyone around you. We wish you everything that you so richly deserve in the years ahead. It has been an honor and a privilege watching your progress and success.”
CHRIS LEVINGSTON – UAW-LETC STUDENT SIGNS NATIONAL ANTHEM
Jibu Kuruvilla, Center Director addresses graduates
Adrian Hughes, General Manager of Hyatt in New Brunswick, delivers the graduation commencement speech
EDISON TOWNSHIP MAYOR, ANTONIA RICIGLIANO CONGRATULATES EDISON JOB CORPS GRADUATES
Danita Torres, Constituent Service Director from Congressman Albio Sires, presents congressional certificates to graduates from Congressmen Sires district.
Family and honored guests in the front row, from the left: Nick Caravassi – CDP Marketing; Mohamed Ebrahim – Edison Job Corps Industry Advisory Council member; Scarlett Rajski, Special Projects Director from Senator Robert Menendez Office
