Philadelphia, PA – Lashawna Bingham working and stronger than ever.  After obtaining her Administrative Medical Assistant certification (AMA) Lashawna thought she was big time. Then upon separation in September, 2010, Later, she thought, finally as a Job Corps graduate it was over and that was a major accomplishment.   The real big time now was getting employed in November 2010. “It takes me minutes to get to work, I am on time, love what I do, I have Independence; working full time, $12.00 per/hour and I love it!”   What’s more, nine months after separation, and seven months employed, “Lashawna Bingham is doing fantastic.  Truly she is a model student; model Job Corps graduate; and a model employee!” states, Jamaine Jackson, Career Transition Specialist.  LaShawna was leaving the center after a brief visit sharing her progress after seven months employment.  Lashawna’s had the opportunity to complete her work base learning or internship experience under the tutelage of both the academic manager and class scheduler while being mentored by numerous staff.  Hon Douch, scheduling clerk deeply expressed,” while a student aide in the academic/scheduling department.  Ms. Bingham was a quick study and proficient worker. Ms. Bingham was always eager to learn and successfully excelled at all department tasks while accomplishing all her Job Corps goals.   She quickly received her high school diploma from Penn Foster and likewise her trade certification.  Ms. Bingham is a great example of the benefits of the Job Corps program”.
Although it was rigorous and tiring sometimes  trying to balance school, family and all the responsibility required  in a fast-paced academic department, LaShawna laments, “there were times when I really did not think I would make it.  But the staff kept me encouraged, and helped me to figure things out.  I persevered and the situations that haunted me as big problems were really small. All I needed to do was take time and plan – I learned a lot here, Thank You Job Corps!”