James Eagen, a 20 year old from Jackson, MI. claims that he is living proof that Job Corps works. As a high school dropout, James realized that finding a job without a high school diploma would be a difficult task. After unsuccessfully trying to get his GED on his own, his family suggested the Job Corps program, and informed him that the program would help him get his GED and assist him with finding a job. James felt that this was the perfect program for him, and took the steps to enroll in the program, and began working towards his trade May 15^th 2012.

During his time at Job Corps, James has completed the Office Administration trade, and has visited several community work based learning sites that allowed him to understand and experience the business world. James also became certified in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and IC3, as well as what he says to be his greatest accomplishment, receiving his high school diploma. “My experience here at Job Corps has been nothing but positive” says James.

On January 18^th 2012, James left for advanced training in Edison, New Jersey, to become an advanced Microsoft Certification Specialist (MCTS) and gain his A+ certification. “I still have a long way to go before I am successful, but I am a lot further along than I was six months ago, thanks to the Gerald R. Ford Job Corps Center”, stated James.

Center Director Jeff Jablonski and James Eagen at Graduation