Columbia, MO – For most students across the city, August marks the start of a new school year, but on August 20 over 60 graduates from Job Point’s YouthBuild and Skilled Trades Programs will celebrate the end of their current educational journey.
With pomp and circumstance, the ceremony will begin at 4:00 pm in the gymnasium at Boys & Girls Clubs of Columbia. Staff, graduates and their families will gather to recognize each of these outstanding students for achievements.
“We are so proud of these students. Even in the face of the uncertainty of COVID-19, through fears about their risk of exposure and the restrictions created by the pandemic, they have persevered. They have been adaptable, patiently navigating fully remote and hybrid learning models. And this month they have arrived at the moment they have worked so hard to get to and they deserve to be recognized. Truly, they have so much to celebrate,” Steve Smith, CEO of Job Point said.
The program will begin with a special keynote presentation from Lucky Ogbomo. Lucky is Job Point’s Lead Employment Consultant and was recently awarded 2020 Employee of the Year. Outside of his work at Job Point, Lucky brings a wealth of knowledge from his successful career as a Columbia College basketball player, working as an entrepreneur and a personal trainer and coach.
Following the presentation of certificates, students will have the opportunity to speak. Many students typically use this space to share their individual stories and sharing encouragement for their peers.
The celebration will conclude with a reception for graduates and their families.
This will be Job Point’s first graduation ceremony since December 2019. Ceremonies were postponed throughout 2020 due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Graduates who completed their coursework requirements for certification since January 2020 will be honored during the ceremony on August 20.
About Job Point
Job Point is Missouri’s premier employment center and Community Development Corporation. Since 1965, we have been linking people and jobs by providing career planning and job placement assistance. We specialize in preparing individuals to enter the workforce, while meeting a critical need of the business community. The organization is headquartered in Columbia, Missouri, with services extending to Moberly, Boonville and the surrounding communities. Since 2003, Job Point’s YouthBuild program has helped over 1,100 youth and young adults reclaim their education and build the skills they need for life-long learning, leadership and personal and professional success.
Through Job Point’s YouthBuild program, students work to earn their High School Equivalency along with other professional certifications in the construction trades. Students also earn recognition through AmeriCorp and educational awards.
Job Point’s Trade Skills program offers certification courses in Office Technology, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC), Certified Nursing Assistant, Highway Heavy Construction and Repair and Carpentry. Students work through intensive in-classroom and hands-on coursework before completing internships in order to earn their certifications.
