What is Job Corps?
Training Today's Youth for Tomorrow's Jobs
Job Corps is a national residential training and employment program administered by the Department of Labor to address the multiple barriers to employment faced by disadvantaged youth throughout the United States. Job Corps was originally established by the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964; current authorization for the program is the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (Public Law #105-220). Visit the National Job Corps Web Site Clicking on this link opens a new window.
Read more about the national mission.
The purpose of Job Corps is to assist young people who need and can benefit from a comprehensive program, operated primarily in the residential setting of a Job Corps Center, to become more responsible, employable, and productive citizens.
Cascades Job Corps Center is a high-performing center according to the Outcome Measurement Standards applied to all Job Corps centers nationwide.
Career Development Services System
What is CDSS? It's Job Corps. Putting the most important lessons first. Designing a plan for every student. Teaching the skills that match the jobs. Providing the resources students need to succeed. Staying in touch to ensure success.
You Make the Decision
Job Corps benefits those who desire a career and are willing to take advantage of the opportunity to master the skills necessary for employment. As a young adult you will be faced with many challenges and decisions. Your motivation, desire and commitment are the price you pay for our training.
Enrollment Facts: Who Should Apply?
- Be U.S. legal resident
- Be 16-24 years old
- Meet income requirements
- Sign an agreement to follow the Zero Tolerance Policy for Drugs and Violence
- Be ready, willing, and able to participate in an educational environment
How Do I Apply for Enrollment?
Interested young people apply to join the program through a Job Corps Admissions Counselor. If they are eligible, they are assigned to train at one of the Job Corps Centers where they will take part in academic, vocational, and social skills course-work. The training is provided at no charge by the U.S. Department of Labor. Student-trainees receive a living allowance and learn at their own pace. Many youth complete their training in as little as eight months.
After student-trainees complete the program, Job Corps provides placement assistance or helps with further education. Job Corps provides career support and transitional assistance for up to 12 months after initial placement.
What are the Benefits?
- Free training
- Free housing
- Free basic health care
- Work-based learning
- Internships and pre-apprenticeships
- Job placement assistance
If you are accepted into the program, Cascades Job Corps Center has everything you need to make the most of your training. There are classrooms, offices, counseling centers, dormitories, a cafeteria, and recreational facilities.
Cascades Job Corps Center offers a safe, supportive community where our trainees live in residence halls or dorms. The dorms are part of the campus. Everyone helps keep the dorm living areas clean. Laundry facilities are also available.
GED or High School Diploma?
Students can earn their GED or high school diploma through the program! Cascades has a partnership with Sedro-Woolley High School to help you earn your high school diploma. You can earn your GED right here at Cascades Job Corps Center.
THE RESULTS
More than 2 million young adults have benefited from the program since 1964.
- 8 out of 10 Job Corps graduates are placed into jobs, higher education, or the military.
- 90% of all Job Corps students are satisfied with their training!
- In independent studies, Job Corps graduates on average are employed longer and receive higher wages than their counterparts with similar backgrounds.
- Since 1992, Job Corps trainees and staff have performed more than $45 million worth of community service projects nationally.