Tyler Forney, 18, came to Miami Job Corps Center (MJCC) at age 17 to earn his High School Diploma and learn the trade of Office Administration and Information Technology.
Originally from Mobile, AL, he acclimated to MJCC immediately and became involved as a member of MJCC Student Government Association (SGA) and later took on a leadership role as SGA president.
Mary Geoghegan, MJCC Center director said of Forney, “He has grown tremendously during his time at Miami Job Corps. His involvement in our Student Government helped him to see his own great potential and he inspired others to follow his path of achievement. We are proud to have been part of his amazing journey.”
According to Jeffrey Poole, Forney’s trade Instructor, “Tyler displays a high degree of emotional maturity and understands the needs and requirements of SGA leadership. Tyler continues to develop a strong working rapport with other students in the Office Administration Trade by assisting other students. Tyler has received high scores on his MOS (Microsoft Office Suite) training and is certified in MOS Word.”
Forney soonwill be taking the COMPTIA+ exam which provides A+ certification in IT. He is a serious student and does not take his education and MJCC experience lightly. Forney speaks eloquently about his Job Corps experience at many MJCC events and every week guides the tours of the center with prospective student applicants.
Forney enrolled in Job Corps to earn a High School Diploma and learn IT and then further his military aspirations. His father told him about Job Corps and he is glad that he made the decision to come to MJCC.
“My situation at home was challenging and it would be a good change of environment to come to Miami” he said.
On becoming involved in SGA: “I had no idea I’d turn 18 and become SGA president in the same month. I believe I’m setting an example for everyone else prospective students, new students and current students.”
He likes being able to meet with staff and relay student issues, both good and bad. Tyler has worked to organize prom, fundraisers and special activities like school dances, talent shows and sports tournaments.
“I have a lot of family members in the military. My brother is currently serving in the U.S. Air Force. My uncle is a U.S. Army veteran. The Navy interested me because of the engineering program” Forney said.
He will enlist as a Nuclear Engineer Sailor Trainee. Having scored a 92 on his ASVAB military entrance exam, Forney had his choice of programs. The field of Nuclear Engineering was chosen because he is good at chemistry and math.
What does his family think?
“They’re elated,” he said. “They’re proud of where I started before Job Corps and where I am now.” Next month, his family will see him walk across the MJCC graduation stage and accept his High School Diploma and trade completion along with credentials.
Job Corps encourages its students to meet with military recruiters, college admissions representatives and employers to fine tune their choice of a career path.
U.S. Navy Recruiter Petty Officer Will Harris wrote about Tyler in a recent Facebook post: “He’s from Mobile, AL and not only that but he went to my alma mater, Davidson High School (go Warriors!). Long story short, this young man made a 92 on the ASVAB and is my first nuclear engineer I put in the Navy. Congrats, Tyler Forney.”
While still at Job Corps, Forney is in the Navy’s DEP (Delayed Entry Program) until he will ship out Apr. 29.
