Job Corps

Job Corps is a federally funded education and vocational training program for economically disadvantaged youth ages 16-24, most of whom lack a high school diploma or GED certificate. The program operates on an open-entry, open-exit basis with individualized and self-paced training. After 2-4 weeks of orientation and assessment, participants receive an individualized mix of vocational and academic instruction. Academic services include remedial education emphasizing reading and math, GED preparation, consumer education, driver's education, home and family living training, and health education. Vocational training prepares youth for specific trades (carpenters, masons, welders, electricians, mechanics, food and health service workers, etc.), with a typical center offering specialized training for about 10 trades. The program provides job placement assistance upon completion. Most participants reside in dormitories at Job Corps centers and receive room and board, counseling, health services, social-skills training, recreational activities, and a biweekly living allowance. The average participant spends about eight months in the program and receives more than 1,000 hours of education and training.