Esperanza Inc., signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Cleveland Job Corps Center (CJCC) on January 26, 2015. Esperanza is a local Hispanic organization whose mission is “to improve the academic achievement of Hispanics in Greater Cleveland by supporting students to graduate high school and promoting post-secondary educational attainment.” Esperanza translates to the English word, “HOPE” , and that is just what the Facility Maintenance trade students delivered to Esperanza through the minor renovations they provided at their facility. Esperanza is a nonprofit organization and there has to be much consideration when spending. Unfortunately, renovations and a new coat of paint for expanding classroom space had to be at the bottom of that list when considering sustaining the education services for local youth. Our WBL Coordinator, Ms. Luciana Clark, saw an opportunity for a partnership that would benefit both; one where Esperanza could have a nice, welcoming space for their educational programs and the other, where CJCC Facility Maintenance students could learn some real-world experience by renovating a learning space as though done by professionals. Mr. Robert Peck, CJCC HBI instructor, jumped at the opportunity that would allow students to showcase their work ethic pride and represent the center’s willingness to partner with community organizations in support of workforce development. The students painted approximately 25,000 sqft of wall space, that included wall surface preparation, drywall, plaster repairs, finishing and minor electrical improvements. The students were very proud of their work, but the staff from Esperanza and the staff from CJCC were even more proud. Esperanza provided a wonderful lunch menu of traditional Puerto Rican food that students enjoyed! Marcia Moreno, Esperanza Associate Director, expressed her gratitude and appreciation for the students of Job Corps. “They acted with the utmost professionalism and displayed their trade skills excellently.” Ms. Moreno went on to say that this project could never have happened without the partnership and generosity of CJCC. The entire Esperanza family extended Muchas Gracias to the CJCC Facility Maintenance trade. “Working with this group of responsible and skilled young adults has been the most pleasant experience I have encountered while employed at the CJCC,” expressed Mr. Peck.
Cleveland Job Corps
February 2015
Volume 3, Issue 2
In this issue…
 Esperanza
 CD’s Corner/Cleveland’s Future
 Groundhog Job Shadowing
 Light, Camera, Action
 Go Red For Women
 Allied Health
 Construction
 CJCC gets Results
 Word on the Street