It’s starting to look a bit more colorful on the Whitney M. Young Job Corps Center campus.

Thanks to a beautification project coordinated by our Project Happiness committee, flowers and trees have been planted all around the campus.

“We knew that we needed to do some prettification,” said Jamie Logan, executive assistant to the Center Director. “I think it makes people happy when they drive in…I think it uplifts everybody’s spirits.”

Staff and students united to make it happen. And now, the campus is covered in bright, colorful flowers and other greenery – including one fairly unusual perennial plant connecting to the center’s history.

“We picked up a red maple tree to put out in front of Berea Hall, because years ago…on May Day, the students would come out and they would have a celebration. They would have ribbons and dance around the tree giving thanks for everything they had,” Logan said.

That maple tree may be long gone by now, but a new one is now growing in its place.

All told, Logan estimated a team of about 20 people made it happen.

And with the new plants in place, Logan thinks the center will have a friendly first impression as COVID rules relax and more visitors are allowed.