Dear Members and Job Corps Community Partners,

It was a pleasure seeing so many of you at our Fall Leadership Summit! The opportunity to meet face-to-face to discuss topics critical to Job Corps campuses and our students on Day 1, followed by deep-dive discussion of our NJCA mission, value proposition and priorities on Day 2, were truly invaluable. Initial feedback from attendee surveys show that, overwhelmingly, those who joined found value in diverse sessions that ranged from a Fireside Chat with Brent Parton, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Employment and Training Administration, and Erin McGee, Acting National Director, to the NJCA Year in Review and 2024 Preview, and felt that the conference fostered a sense of community among attendees.

As 2023 quickly draws to a close, 2024 holds both opportunities and challenges that are best faced together. As one attendee wrote in feedback:

Another opined:

“We all share many of the same issues and the only way to make true progress is to move forward together.”

Our team at the NJCA office couldn’t agree more. In the weeks ahead, we will continue compiling and synthesizing the many ideas, strategies and potential outcomes identified by conference attendees, as we work toward the development of a three-year strategic plan on which we will collaborate with the Board and critical committees. We are confident this work will position us well for the future, and we remain grateful for the deep commitment you show not only to your campuses but to the entire Job Corps program and all our students.

Keep on keeping on,
Donna

Donna Hay, President and CEO, National Job Corps Association

In our ongoing efforts to recognize and celebrate the invaluable support from our Job Corps employer and community partners, we are thrilled to shine the spotlight on the Paul Simon Chicago Job Corps Partner of the Quarter – Mr. Sean Fontno, Post Secondary Coach/Counselor of The Collins Academy STEAM Magnet High School. 

Mr. Fontno has been a dedicated collaborator with The Paul Simon Chicago Job Corps Center for approximately 5 months. During this time, he has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to helping young people succeed. What sets Mr. Fontno apart is not just his referrals of potential students to Job Corps, but his hands-on involvement in their journey. He goes above and beyond by driving them to our campus and guiding them through every step, from initial inquiries to signing up for the program. His advocacy extends beyond his immediate responsibilities, making him a true champion of Job Corps.

Furthermore, Mr. Fontno’s dedication is not limited to his direct involvement with students. He has been instrumental in ensuring that Job Corps is represented at The Collins Academy STEAM Magnet High School’s career fairs, creating additional opportunities to reach prospective students and make a positive impact on their futures.

The Chicago Job Corps Center and NJCA are immensely proud to have Mr. Sean Fontno and partners like him who embody the spirit of collaboration, support, and advocacy that are essential to the success of the Job Corps. Thank you for your continued support and commitment to the Job Corps’ mission!

Stay tuned for more stories of dedication and partnership as we continue to showcase our Employer and Community Partners!

Alumni of the Quarter:
North Texas Job Corps
 

Meet Cami Shimakonis, a 2023 graduate and North Texas Job Corps Alumni of the Quarter. During her time with Job Corps, Cami not only mastered the Patient Care Technician (PCT) track, EKG, and Phlebotomy, but also emerged as a leader, serving in roles such as Sgt at Arms and Wing Chief in her dorm, as well as Diversity Officer and a leader in the LGBTQ+ Club. Currently enrolled in Advanced Training for LPN at the Blue Ridge JCC in Marion, VA, Cami credits Job Corps for providing the essential skills needed for her real-world career. Her post-Job Corps life reflects a clear and purposeful path forward, guided by the mantra, “Remember why you are here and don’t let anything distract you from your goals.”