Branching out: Kinetibeb Baggett’s Forest Service Job Corps journey
UTAH — The Forest Service Job Corps empowers young people ages 16 to 24 by training them in essential skills like dispatch, wildland firefighting and forestry. This program not only provides a pathway to employment but also fosters a new generation of conservation leaders. Many graduates go on to serve in the military, pursue higher education or enter advanced training programs, breaking the intergenerational cycle of poverty. Some, like Kinetibeb Atticus Baggett, an advanced dispatch trade student at the Weber Basin Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center, develop a deep passion for conservation and become invaluable assets to agencies like the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service.
Baggett, born in Ethiopia and adopted at the age of three, having lived in various parts of the country, brings his unique perspective and work ethic to the Forest Service Job Corps.
“I was originally born in Ethiopia,” said Baggett. “I have lived in Texas, Alabama, Virginia and now Utah.”
Baggett first learned about Job Corps from his parents, who saw it as an excellent opportunity for him to gain valuable skills and experiences. Intrigued by the program’s potential, Baggett saw it as a promising pathway to shape his future.
“I had the privilege of having my parents recommend Job Corps to me,” said Baggett. “They thought it would be a good opportunity, they were not wrong, Job Corps has truly been life changing for me.”
The Forest Service Job Corps provides students a personalized learning experience, allowing them to tailor their education to their individual interests, while also giving them a strong sense of civic responsibility. Baggett initially pursued the carpentry trade at Flatwoods Job Corps CCC in Virginia where he also participated in a variety of community events.
“I love to be outdoors and participate in community events like parades and projects,” said Baggett. “I love to talk, laugh and make fun memories with family and friends.”
Currently Bagget is in the advanced dispatch trade at Weber Basin Job Corps CCC in Utah, where he is deepening his expertise and building valuable professional relationships for his future.
“My current trade is advanced dispatch at Weber Basin,” said Baggett. “I am so glad I chose to make that decision. I have met cool people and networked with a lot of future leaders.”
Baggett has undergone significant personal and professional growth during his time at Job Corps. Shannon Boyle, training specialist and advanced fire dispatch program coordinator at Weber Basin Job Corps CCC, has witnessed this transformation firsthand.
“Atticus is a bright, gregarious young man who always has a big smile on his face,” said Boyle. “He is driven, hardworking and cares deeply about others.”
Civilian Conservation Centers offer a unique opportunity within the Job Corps program by providing direct access to the outdoors for students that may have had little or no previous experience with nature. The Forest Service wants to inspire young people to explore the wonders of nature within the agency and consider fulfilling careers with the USDA. Fostering these deep connections to caring for the land and serving people cultivates the next generation of conservation stewards and leaders.
“Atticus embodies the Forest Service core values of service,” said Boyle. “That has been evident in the relationships he has built with his fellow students in this year’s cohort and from the feedback we have received from the various dispatch centers he has worked at this fire season.”
Not only has Baggett pursued his career goals, but with the support of his mentors and those around him, he successfully navigated the complex process of becoming a U.S. citizen.
“I’m proud of Atticus,” said Boyle. “The process to become a citizen has not been an easy one and he has faced every challenge along the way head on. At the naturalization ceremony I attended, many of the newly sworn in citizens spoke of their hope for their futures and the opportunities that they would be afforded.”
Baggett has many different goals for the future and getting his U.S. citizenship was just one of the many things he plans to pursue.
“One of my visions for the future it to see many people step up and change the world through themselves, the community and those they surround themselves with,” said Baggett. “I want to not only become a future leader, but I would like to see many more leaders come together to support and teach the younger generations we have.”
The Forest Service Job Corps is more than just a training program, it is a community. By providing a supporting network of mentors and peers, Bagget’s journey is an example of how a supportive environment can allow students to achieve their future career goals.
“To my family and especially Emily Lester, thank you for your continued love and support,” said Baggett. “I would not have left to come to Utah if my parents hadn’t reminded me that I could do whatever I set my mind to.”
The Forest Service Job Corps changes one life at a time. For prospective students thinking of attending the program, Baggett encourages students to persevere, stay focused and embrace the opportunities ahead of them.
“To both past, present and future students, don’t give up on yourself and your dreams,” said Baggett. “Everyone makes it a goal to live in the moment, laugh with someone, and love the person that you are and truly learn something new every day because there truly is never enough knowledge to have.”