Clemence Nyiramahirwe, center, is the first Oconaluftee Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center (OJCCCC) student to participate in an onsite English Language Acquisition (ELA) class offered by Southwestern Community College (SCC) for Harrah’s Casino employees. She is shown with Jimmy Copeland, left, Center director, and Cindi Simmons, right, Center academic manager. (Photo courtesy of OJCCCC)
Clemence Nyiramahirwe is the first Oconaluftee Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center (OJCCCC) student to participate in an onsite English Language Acquisition (ELA) class offered by Southwestern Community College (SCC) for Harrah’s Casino employees. OJCCCC students who are employed at the casino are eligible to enroll in this program at no charge. The class provides individualized instruction which allows students to work at their own pace.
Nyiramahirwe entered into the Job Corps program July 25, 2017. While at OJCCCC, she earned her High School Diploma from James Madison High School. Currently, she is employed at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino and Resort through a Work Based Learning Agreement.
“To learn a language is to have one more window in which to look at the world,” she said. “I really appreciate all the Oconaluftee staff that have been helping me to meet my personal and career goals.”
Partnerships have enabled Nyiramahirwe to gain competitive employment along with the opportunity to improve language skills.
Jim Copeland, OJCCCC director, noted, “We truly value our partnerships with Southwestern Community College and Harrah’s Casino. These relationships enable our youth to value their diversity as it positively impacts our communities and industries and establishes a foundation for career success.”
The Oconaluftee Job Corps Center is currently ranked in the Top 20 of all Job Corps Centers in the country and accepting applications for enrollment.
Info: Jackson Pierce, North Carolina Outreach and Admissions, (919) 954-0691, (828) 316-9987, or www.Jobcorps.org
– Occonaluftee Job Corps Center release
