Jacqueline Solimini sent in these photos and this write-up.
The New Haven Job Corps Center graduating class has much to celebrate on July 24th. Not only are futures bright for graduating students, but an early guest appearance and speaking engagement by former New York Knickerbockers and all-star guard John Starks set the tone for success. As a career technical training center, Job Corps has been educating at-promise youth ages 16 – 24 for over four decades and is America’s leading career skills training program. Administered by the U.S. Department of Labor, Job Corps trains 65,000 students each year. Each technical trade is aligned with industry standards and includes trade specific OSHA and ServSafe certifications which are designed to meet the requirements of today’s in-demand careers.
Life on Center includes applied academics and fun activities such as student government and sports teams. New Haven Job Corps Center also boasts an excellent basketball team of its own. That’s one reason why Stark’s visit helped to energize and enlighten students with his candid account of his years prior to pro basketball. Starks received his fame as the Knick’s quick shot point guard. His games played against the Chicago Bulls became basketball legends. Along with Patrick Ewing, Starks helped anchor the Knick’s as a prolific team and made runs at the championship nearly every year of his tenure. The impact of having a legendary figure visit the New Haven Job Corps Center to share his professional athletic career with 200 students inspired them to excel in the 21st century workforce.
