Hats Off to CCC’s 2026 High School Graduates

This June, nearly 100 Corpsmembers gathered in Sacramento with family and friends to celebrate an important milestone: earning their high school diploma.

This was no small achievement. Each week, CCC’s graduates spend 10 hours in the classroom, plus 40 hours training for careers in firefighting, forestry, trails, and other environmental fields. All that layered on top of life’s other challenges.

To get to graduation, Corpsmembers often follow unconventional paths. Graduate speaker, and San Diego Corpsmember, Joseph Alfani had a particularly far journey, spanning thousands of miles.

“I am from East Africa – Tanzania. I immigrated to the United States two years ago. I had to adapt to new culture, new language,” he said. “Joining the CCC, I welcomed the challenge of learning new skills and doing something meaningful.”

Meanwhile, Inland Empire Corpsmember Alex Sanchez, spoke about overcoming mental health hurdles. He encouraged others to never give up, no matter how hard it may get – and highlighted how achievement is possible with the support of others.

“I was handed an opportunity, a home, a family, a place where I could finally feel safe,” said Alex. “Thank you to my wonderful teacher Ms. Blasquez, you did what no teacher ever could. Thank you to the CCC for giving me this opportunity and teaching me how to live again.”

CCC’s high school opportunity is made possible by partnerships with John Muir Charter School and Urban Corps Charter School. Their teachers partner with 21 of the CCC’s 24 locations, offering classes to Corpsmembers at no cost to them.

With a round of applause, CCC’s Class of 2026 is now entering lifelong enrollment in what Director JP Patton calls, “the school of life, at the university of what comes next.” As the graduates move forward, we trust they will continue to face their future with the same purpose and determination.