The Gainesville Police Chief Tony Jones inspired 60 Gainesville Job Corps Graduates to pursue their dreams at the center’s summer graduation on Friday, August 27, 2010. Over 120 students successfully completed the Job Corps program. 60 students attended graduation to accept their diplomas in a room filled with proud parents and friends. Chief Jones talked to students about staying determined and focused on their careers.

The Gainesville Job Corps center is one of 122 Job Corps centers nationwide that gives students an opportunity to earn their high school diploma/GED and complete a trade. GJCC ranks #2 in the country for HS diploma completions and # 6 for trade completions. The center helps students get certified in Certified Nursing Assistance (CNA), Certified Medical Assisting (CMA), Business Office Tech, Auto Tech, Carpentry, Painting, Facilities Maintenance. Pre-Law and Culinary Arts….

Daily lives are transformed at Job Corps. Student McQuillan Joye is one of the many success stories of Job Corps. McQuillan graduated Friday with his HS diploma and he earned two certifications in CNA and CMA.  Now McQuillan is a student at Santa Fe Community College working on his AA. McQuillan said he never saw his graduation day coming. Stemming from a past where he was once homeless and had to face losing his mother and his 2 year old brother, McQuillian was ecstatic to beat the odds and graduate.

            Gradation day was filled with tears of joy and huge smiles as the graduates left the ceremony inspired to make a difference in the world and in their communities.