This triumph interview was heartwarming and inspiring. Prior to starting Pittsburgh Job Corps Center’s college program, Madysen was diagnosed with learning disabilities, and suffered from severe trauma her junior year. She found that it was very hard to complete classwork or attend school. As a result, she was placed into the Seneca Valley Academy of Choice where she started in cyber school, but quickly realized that that wasn’t working for her either. She said, “My anxiety was so bad going to school, it gave me severe panic attacks.”

She soon met a great teacher, Maggie, who helped her with academics, studying skills, and much more! “Maggie became my mentor and friend… much more than just a teacher.” Madysen was able to register in OVR (Office of Vocational Rehabilitation), which was a great experience that led to summer camp counseling at Slippery Rock. Madysen graduated from Seneca Valley High School but was fearful of starting college due to her academic and financial struggles. There was a lot of thought and pressure to achieve a degree as a first-generation college student.

Maggie recommended the Pittsburgh Job Corps Center as another option. She and another teacher drove from Harmony PA to the Pittsburgh Job Corps Center. Madysen was able to see the facility, file her paperwork and start something that wouldn’t have been possible to do on her own due to the lack of support.

Pittsburgh Job Corps Center provided the opportunity to enroll in school and complete her Associates degree from CCAC with a major in Early Education and Child Development. It also relieved Madysen of undue financial hardship, helped her take advantage of mental health resources, develop mentorships, receive tutoring along with financial assistance of a stipend and gas cards for her commute to school.

Madysen successfully achieved her degree and graduated college May 2022. Having the degree in Child development, she was able to push for higher wages and benefits in her nannying career. Within four months of graduating from CCAC, she is working as a nanny making $30.00 per hour!

If you’re on the fence about going to Pittsburgh Job Corps Center, Madysen would say that there’s truly no loss going to Job Corps, they are there to support and provide you with a career and nurture your passion. “Whether through the trades or through obtaining a degree, Jobs Corps helped me to continue my education and be in a debt free position to build a future doing something I’m passionate about.”