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Well On Their Way: Celebrate With These 56 IKRON Graduates
On October 13, we celebrated with our largest group of graduates ever—56, surpassing the previous record of 52 set in May.
IKRON’s graduation ceremonies have been a key part of our program from our days on the University of Cincinnati campus until now, and they remain a significant milestone for our participants; for many IKRON graduates, this is their first time graduating. Family and friends attend to show their support and to visit the place that’s meant so much to their loved one. Current program participants assist with decorating the building before the ceremony and celebrate with graduates, all while keeping their eyes on the prize of being part of IKRON’s next graduating class. Staff share stories of the graduates’ hard work and determination to succeed.
Executive Director Randy Strunk reminded graduates, “You’ve overcome many obstacles to be here today. You had to block out all the voices telling you to give up and listen to those telling you that you could make it. Look where all your hard work has brought you—we’re proud to be here with you today.”
IKRON trainees are eligible to graduate once they obtain employment or meet an educational goal, such as earning a GED or starting a college or training program. Our 108 graduates in 2017 have found jobs throughout the Greater Cincinnati area, with businesses like Amazon, Warmline, Nehemiah Manufacturing, Kroger, Walgreens, REI, Cincinnati Arts, and many, many others. Additionally, many graduates have earned GEDs, National Career Readiness Certificates, or ServeSafe Certifications. Our graduates have worked hard to build the skills they needed to apply for jobs, navigate the interview process, and be successful in the workforce, all while addressing their barriers to employment. We couldn’t be prouder to wish them well in their new journeys.