Katie Thomas, age 22 of Coloma, Mi, had attended three different college institutions since 2009. She was not attending classes or doing her homework, and just felt that college was not for her. In 2011, Katie dropped out of college completely and was working as a dishwasher making minimum wage. She saw a Job Corps commercial on television and after doing more research decided to apply.

Katie has been at the Gerald R. Ford Job Corps Center since August 2012. She completed the Culinary Arts program in just over a month and is currently a leader in the residential and recreation areas, and in the culinary arts classrooms. “The staff here is amazing. Whenever I needed something or someone to talk to, they were always there for me, and I am very appreciative of them for that” stated Katie.

Katie is the first student to be accepted into the Exeter Rhode Island Advanced Training program, where she will receive more certifications, experience, and knowledge in the culinary arts field. She left today, Friday January 25, 2013. After advanced training, Katie plans on attending Jonson and Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island to obtain a bachelors degree in restaurant, food and beverage management. “Job corps has offered me the structure that I needed to be successful. The hands on training allowed me to be more engaged in my learning” says Katie.

Center Director Jeff Jablonski and Katie Thomas at the winter 2013 graduation ceremony