Job Corps Mission Statement

Training Today's Youth for Tomorrow's Jobs

National Job Corps Mission

Job Corps is the nation's largest and most comprehensive residential education and job training program for at-risk youth, ages 16 through 24. Since 1964, the program has provided more than 1.7 million disadvantaged young people with the integrated academic, vocational, and social skills training they need to gain independence and get quality, long-term jobs or further their education.

Who is Involved

Private companies, state agencies, federal agencies, and unions recruit young people to participate in Job Corps, where they can train for and be placed in jobs. The federal government assists Job Corps by providing facilities and equipment.

How Does Job Corps Benefit At-Risk Youth?

At-risk youth looking for opportunities beyond their local public school systems can attend Job Corps for the academic and vocational training they need to get good, entry-level jobs; join the military; or go to college. Job Corps offers GED (General Equivalency Program) or high school diploma programs and training in various occupations, as well as advanced training and additional support services. Whatever their goals, Job Corps students live in a safe place and learn skills to get ahead. What does Job Corps cost students? Only the time and effort needed to complete the program.

How Can Communities Benefit from Job Corps?

Job Corps is an asset to local communities nationwide -- through new construction projects for center facilities, community service projects, flood and disaster relief efforts, or charitable services. By getting involved with local community outreach and improvement efforts, Job Corps students learn good citizenship skills and gain a sense of belonging to the community. Students also expand their vocational training skills by working on community projects.

Job Corps also benefits local economies. Communities welcome the economic stimulation a Job Corps center generates by increasing the pool of consumers who buy local goods and services.

This positive relationship with the local community is an important part of the Job Corps program. Every center has a Community Relations Council (CRC) to foster positive relations between the center, its students, and the community. The CRC provides community members with the opportunity to become involved in the center's activities and to engage in forums where center improvements can be discussed.

How Can Employers Benefit From Job Corps?

Employers in various industries have access to a ready-made pool of competent, well-trained and motivated workers at Job Corps. To accommodate employers' needs, Job Corps also involves them in the development and implementation of Job Corps vocational curricula. The Job Corps/employer relationship is a mutually beneficial one, which will be further enhanced by the exciting work-based learning initiatives that Job Corps is in the process of implementing.

How Can Educators, Schools Counselors and
Peer Counselors Benefit From Job Corps?

Job Corps serves as an alternative learning program for disadvantaged young people who have had difficulty in traditional school systems, who are high school dropouts, or who are facing challenges developing life goals. Job Corps accepts both high school graduates and non-graduates, as well as young adults with children.