The Gerald R. Ford Job Corps Center was happy to join with most of the 124 other Job Corps Centers across the nation, Tuesday, August 30th for a National Commencement Ceremony to honor the 47th Anniversary of the Job Corps Program.

Job Corps was created on August 30, 1964 when President Lyndon B. Johnson signed into law the Employment Opportunity Act.  Since then, Job Corps has trained and educated more than 2 million young people to date, serving approximately 62,000 young adults each year.

The Gerald R. Ford Job Corps Center recognized over 100 graduates for their accomplishments at the special ceremony held at 2:30 PM in the Auditorium.  Included in the ceremony was a Presentation of the Colors by the Security Trade, graduate success stories, a Keynote Address from former 2006 Gerald R. Ford Job Corps Graduate, Tristan Robinson, and a special pre-recorded message from United States Congressman Justin Amash. Congressman Amash could not be in attendance, but sent his congratulations and encouragements via video. 

The Gerald R. Ford Job Corps Center trains over 400 students annually in seven different career technical training programs, offers students the chance to obtain their high school diploma or GED, teaches students independent living and employability skills, and provides placement services to students upon completion of the program.

Graduation was open to family, friends, the local community, and media.  Over 300 people attended the hour long ceremony and applauded as each graduates walked across the stage as their name and accomplishments were read.  For many students, this was a day they never thought they would see. 

During the ceremony, graduate Nyesha Thompson shared how she once thought she “would never be successful.”  A native of the Detroit area, she had dropped out of high school at a young age and was not doing anything productive with her life.  After the death of her brother, who had been her mentor, things got even worse as she turned to the streets. 

Coming to the Gerald R. Ford Job Corps Center changed everything for her. 

“I was excited and scared at the same time,” Nyesha remembers feeling when she first started the program in May of 2009, “but the staff here believed in me.” 

After setting small goals for herself, Nyesha rose to the level of a Gold Card holder, completed the Culinary Arts Trade, and achieved her High School Diploma.  She is now enrolled in the Grand Rapids Community College Child Development program and is using her new culinary skills to work at the Raider Grill as a line cook. 

“I’m so proud of myself and what the center has offered me” exclaimed Nyesha while giving her graduation speech  during the ceremony, “I could not ask for anything else and could not have done it without the support of the Gerald R. Ford Job Corps staff!”

Congratulations to Nyesha and all of the Gerald R. Ford Job Corps Center Summer 2011 Graduates!