Keylin Pierce-Dunnican
Age: 17
Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio
Center: Cleveland Job Corps
Region: Chicago
Trade: Carpentry
Job Corps Dates: 9/26/16 – 11/10/17
College: Cuyahoga Community College (TRI-C)
Major: Program Digital Design & Manufacturing

Keylin Pierce-Dunnicca attended high school at Horizons Science Academy, but was not eligible for school district transportation so Keylin walked to and from school every day. Unfortunately, when winter arrived Keylin began to miss several days and his grades dropped, consequently causing him to leave. His brother Marquise Hargrove graduated from Cleveland Job Corps’ Carpentry program on January 30, 2017, and encouraged Keylin to enroll in Job Corps.

Deciding to follow in his brother’s footsteps, Keylin enrolled in Cleveland Job Corps and the Carpentry program as well. During his enrollment, Keylin earned his Carpentry, Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) and Scaffolding credentials. He also completed Penn Foster’s online High School Diploma program. “I really matured, due to the mentoring I received from my Carpentry Instructors, David Lummus and Daniel Volpe,” stated Keylin. His advice to other students, “stay focused, listen to your instructors because they know what they are doing; if you don’t stay focused you will fall behind.”

Keylin started classes at Cuyahoga Community College (TRI-C) in August 2017. He is pursuing an Associate’s degree in the field of Digital Design and Manufacturing. After Keylin obtains his degree he plans to enlist in the Army, become an architect, and live in Cleveland with his family. Keylin believes that the independent living skills he learned at Cleveland Job Corps will help with transitioning in college. “Always…Always be ready and prepared,” advises Keylin.