For Jayce, finding a first job felt limiting. Like many young people his age, the opportunities he saw were mostly fast food or grocery bagging, work that didn’t reflect his interests or his potential. He wanted more than just a paycheck; he wanted a path forward.
That search led Jayce to the OhioMeansJobs Marion County Comprehensive Case Management and Employment Program (CCMEP), facilitated by Marion Goodwill. He joined the program in March 2025, drawn to the opportunity to build real-world skills and explore meaningful career options.
Through CCMEP, Jayce worked with a Goodwill Employment Specialist to identify opportunities aligned with his strengths. One stood out immediately, Barr Construction, led by his construction teacher at Buckeye Community School. The opportunity felt like a natural fit, combining Jayce’s hands-on skills with a familiar learning environment.
In April 2025, Jayce began working with Barr Construction, where he quickly discovered a passion for physical, skill-based work. The experience gave him confidence, responsibility, and a clearer vision for his future, including a goal of one day working for the Ohio Department of Transportation.
By December 2025, Jayce stepped into a new role as a Construction Educational Aide, supporting construction classes at Buckeye schools. He assists instructors, reviews study guides with students, operates equipment such as the laser engraver, and helps ensure safe learning environments during hands-on instruction.
Beyond the job, Jayce has become more engaged in his community and participates in KUEST Student Leadership, a program offered through his church that focuses on service, responsibility, and personal growth.
For Jayce, turning the page means discovering purpose, building skills that matter, and stepping confidently into a future shaped by opportunity and belief.