Former Job Corps Graduates return to San Jose Job Corps as mentors to Students and Panel Speakers at  the first annual San Jose Job Corps Young Women’s Conference 2010

Sandra Hernandez completed the advanced clerical training program through the Transportation Communications Union (TCU) and also obtained her GED at the San Jose Job Corps Center.  In 2004, Sandra became a State Certified Nutrition Assistant and is currently working with the Gardner Family Care Corporation as a WIC Nutritional Assistant.  Sandra is working to establish a WIC Nutrition Program for our female students with young children at the Center.  Sandra is known as the “IT person” at her office and she credits this to the skills she learned in Office Administration.

In her own words: The students should appreciate what they have at Job Corps.  Once you graduate and move on, you realize how much support you are given while in the program, from juggling family responsibilities to having to pay for all your expenses.

Carolina Romero obtained a GED, High School Diploma, and certificate in managerial accounting.  In May 2010 she graduated from San Jose City College with an AA degree in accounting and is transferring to Santa Clara University in the Fall 2011.  Her dream is to open her own accounting firm one day.

In her own words:  When I came to the U.S. from Mexico, I could barely speak English. I had a child to support and my prospects were limited.  Job Corps provided the education and life skill that I needed to become successful and be able to support my family.

Veronica Rivera graduated from Job Corps with a GED and a certificate in Clerical Training from the Transportation Communications union (TCU) in 1999.  After Job corps she worked as a receptionist at a local printing company and in a short time  she was promoted  to Accounts Payable specialist.  Veronica re-connected with the San Jose Job Corps Center in 2008 when she was nominated by community partner Victory Outreach to receive the Annual Job Corps Service To Youth Award.  In 2009, Veronica joined Career Systems Development Corporation (contractor of the San Jose Job Corps Center) as an admissions clerk and has since been promoted to Academics Secretary for the Center.

In her own words:  Job Corps provided me with the training and personal life skills that enabled me to find good employment.  I came back to work with Job Corps because I want to mentor and provide the same opportunities to youth that I received while in Job Corps.

Ariana Gonzalez graduated from the Los Angeles Job Corps Center in 2003.  She enrolled in college and has obtained a B.S. Degree in Criminal Justice.  She is currently employed with Gardner Family Care in San Jose working with San Jose Job Corps graduate Sandra Hernandez win the WIC Nutrition Program.  She was delighted to connect with other Job Corps Graduates.

In her own words:  Job Corps changed my life.