Job Corps
Connecting Students to High-growth Careers

Are you one of the millions of high school graduates wondering, "What's next?" Are you interested in furthering your education, but can't afford, or don't want to attend the traditional two- or four-year college?

Job Corps may be the answer. Job Corps trains approximately 62,000 students each year for careers in high-growth fields. Its mission is to improve career opportunities for youth through academic, career technical and life-skills training, and best of all, they do it at no cost to the student. Since its inception in 1964, Job Corps has helped more than 2 million students from around the country with academic and career training.

There are 122 Job Corps centers nationwide, and most students live, train, study, work and eat on center. What makes Job Corps different from traditional colleges is that students are usually enrolled in Job Corps for between nine months and two years, depending on the career path they choose to follow.

Job Corps also offers work-based learning, which takes students off center and into the business world for real industry experience you can't get in a classroom. Students can train in their industry with a local company, which offers great opportunities for apprenticeships, internships and networking for employment upon graduation from Job Corps.

Job Corps provides hands-on training to economically eligible youth ages 16 through 24 in more than 100 career areas, assistance with job placement, follow-up support and a chance to learn the practical skills needed to succeed in the workplace. Some centers also offer college-level courses for students wishing to pursue higher education.

Career training options include: health care, computer technology/IT, culinary arts, auto repair, clerical, accounting, hospitality, retail, construction, carpentry, nurse's aide/CNA, pharmacy technician, electrician, security, and many more.

Job Corps also supports students' efforts after they graduate by helping them find housing, day care, community resources and rides to work, as well as assisting with a number of other important issues faced by young people seeking to be independent.

"At Job Corps I made lifelong friends, got the best training available to me and learned what it means to be a responsible adult," said Elizabeth, a San Diego Job Corps student. "The value of Job Corps is more than just training and education, it's being able to learn about yourself and what you are capable of."

Job Corps offers housing, driver's education, health and dental care, a spending and clothing allowance, and meals. Some centers also provide child care. All programs offered by Job Corps are 100 percent free of charge to its participants.