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UCC YouthBuild Program Fall Cohort Celebrates HSE Graduation to Close Out Another Successful Year
Seven young people enrolled in UCC’s YouthBuild program achieved a major milestone by earning their High School Equivalency (HSE) degrees in December, a key accomplishment in their journey toward personal and professional growth.
The milestone was celebrated during a graduation ceremony held last month at Newark Beth Israel Hospital in the city’s South Ward. The ceremony, co-hosted by UCC YouthBuild and Leaders for Life, which works in tandem with the YouthBuild program as the educational provider, featured remarks from program staff and community leaders, all of whom shared inspiring messages with the graduates.
Addressing the graduates, UCC YouthBuild Program Director Tasmeya Hall emphasized the significance of their journey and how they still have more obstacles to triumph.
"Graduates, please know that your achievements should not stop here. You have so much further to go and so many other great things to accomplish,” said Hall. “I know most of [the graduates] would agree that this experience may have been challenging, causing some to feel discouraged and even question if they would make it to the end. But I am so proud of those who held in there and found the support they needed and did not stop.
It's not always easy to do something that may seem impossible by yourself.”
Hall noted that come the following week, the graduates will have to get right back to work and that it will take more determination to accomplish the next steps in the program.
“You might be questioning what life looks like after today... but I will tell you why. It's because there's still so much untapped potential for each of you. Obtaining your high school diploma is just that steppingstone,” she said. “Come Monday the journey continues. To the graduates, I say congratulations, live in this moment and be proud of yourselves because you stayed consistent.”
The road ahead towards obtaining a career pathway through the YouthBuild program can vary from student to student. The program combines education, job training and leadership development to empower young adults ages 16 to 24.
Program participants earn their high school diplomas while participating in various hands-on vocational training to obtain industry-recognized certifications and licenses. UCC’s partnerships with local organizations and employers ensure that graduates are well-prepared to enter the workforce or pursue higher education.
Through the program, participants also obtain industry-recognized credentials in fields such as Construction Training, Certified Nursing Assistant, Dental Technician, Dental Assistant, Home Health Aide and Phlebotomy. These credentials prepare graduates to enter the workforce with confidence and pursue sustainable career pathways.
Graduates were commended for their determination to overcome obstacles, pursue their education and continue gaining valuable skills in their desired trade or training, and beyond. These accomplishments signify not just the end of a chapter but the beginning of new opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Whichever path the participants choose, the commencement keynote speaker Orange Township Fire Chief Derrick Brown, a veteran firefighter who holds numerous awards and certifications in his field, said that while graduation day is indeed a day to celebrate a significant achievement, it should also serve as a moment to realize there’s more work ahead to fully recognize each individual's potential.
“Each of you sitting here has embarked on a journey that may not be fully understood, but it’s one that speaks volumes about your strength and determination,” said Brown. “Graduation is not about completion of a program. It’s about transformation. It’s about rising above challenges that often felt insurmountable and proving that your circumstances do not define your future.”
As the ceremony concluded, graduates were urged to carry forward the skills and lessons they have acquired, continuing to strive for excellence and make a positive impact in their communities.
Congratulations to the UCC YouthBuild 2024 Fall Cohort graduates!
Samaya Moore
Asada Tay
Liyna Lee
Roseberla Noel
Samuel Felipe
Miaja McQueen
Ja’Meer Rogers
