National Commencement Day “PURSUE YOUR DREAMS & BELIEVE IN YOURSELVES,” REP. DANNY DAVIS TELLS CHICAGO JOB CORPS GRADUATES

“Graduation is the closing of one chapter,” Congressman Danny K. Davis told 140 students of the Paul Simon Chicago Job Corps Center receiving diplomas for successfully completing course requirements in nine vocational career disciplines. “But, this is a commencement ceremony, too, because your lives are opening up before you.”
On August 30, the Chicago Job Corps Center joined 124 other Job Corps sites in all 50 states for the first National Commencement Day in the 47-year history of the U.S. Department of Labor program preparing men and women between the ages of 16 and 24 for employment.
At this time of economic recession and high unemployment, all graduates of the Job Corps have high paying career positions waiting for them. In addition to providing practical instruction in nine vocational trades, Chicago Job Corps students earn high school diplomas or GEDs if they don’t have them. They can also attend Chicago City Colleges at no cost.
Every week, Job Corps students complete instruction and take jobs. New students take their places immediately, so there is always a full complement of 325 students in the West Side campus at 3358 South Kedzie Avenue.
Dormitory housing is available for students wishing to live on campus, meals are provided at no cost, and a free childcare center is available for those needing it. Tours are conducted on the campus every week for prospective students. For information on course offerings, enrollment, and tours, call 773/890-3100.
“Do not permit anyone to tell you there is anything you cannot do,” Congressman Davis counseled the graduates. “You have already proven them wrong by being here today and achieving this milestone. Continue to pursue your dreams, believe in yourselves, and keep setting higher goals.”