Job Corps is a federally-funded comprehensive program that provides essential academic and career skills training and prepares students for success in every aspect of their lives.
Job Corps
Numbers
to Know
Live
Most Job Corps students live on our campuses.
Your child will likely be assigned to live and train at the center closest to home. Some centers, however, have a non-residential option that allows students to live at home during training.
On campus, students' needs are funded by the federal government and available right on center.
Your child will live in a furnished dorm room with several roommates. The dorms include lounges with televisions, workout spaces, and laundry facilities. Students are expected to help with chores and keep the dorms nice and clean.
Additionally, your child receives three meals a day, a center uniform, clothing for career training, class supplies, basic medical care, a twice-monthly stipend for toiletries and other necessities, sheets and towels, and access to phones and computers. Every center has recreational activities, available for students during free time, including sports, movie nights, arts and crafts, and healthy living clubs, along with on-campus leadership opportunities and community service activities.
They will build friendships and benefit from a supportive network of peers while living in a safe, drug and violence-free environment.
Live
Most Job Corps students live on our campuses.
Your child will likely be assigned to live and train at the center closest to home. Some centers, however, have a non-residential option that allows students to live at home during training.
On campus, students' needs are funded by the federal government and available right on center.
Your child will live in a furnished dorm room with several roommates. The dorms include lounges with televisions, workout spaces, and laundry facilities. Students are expected to help with chores and keep the dorms nice and clean.
Additionally, your child receives three meals a day, a center uniform, clothing for career training, class supplies, basic medical care, a twice-monthly stipend for toiletries and other necessities, sheets and towels, and access to phones and computers. Every center has recreational activities, available for students during free time, including sports, movie nights, arts and crafts, and healthy living clubs, along with on-campus leadership opportunities and community service activities.
They will build friendships and benefit from a supportive network of peers while living in a safe, drug and violence-free environment.
Learn
A good foundation of basic education and knowledge is necessary for success in any career.
While at Job Corps, your child will earn a high school diploma or the equivalent if they don't already have one and will receive instruction and tutoring in English Language Learning, math, reading, science, and writing if extra help is needed.
Success in the workplace requires other skills too.
At Job Corps, we teach our students how to live independently. This includes how to dress appropriately for work, be on time, solve problems, communicate with bosses and co-workers, resolve conflicts, make good decisions on the job, and so much more.
Job Corps is designed to help your student learn what life is going to be like outside of the program.
Students will live, learn, train, and work in a very structured environment. There are rules to follow, curfews to meet, and uniforms to wear. Getting used to a highly-structured atmosphere and being away from home can be very difficult. Your child may need extra support while participating in the program. Look for ways to encourage, including calls, e-mails, and letters.
Job Corps has a zero-tolerance policy for drugs and violence.
Learn
A good foundation of basic education and knowledge is necessary for success in any career.
While at Job Corps, your child will earn a high school diploma or the equivalent if they don't already have one and will receive instruction and tutoring in English Language Learning, math, reading, science, and writing if extra help is needed.
Success in the workplace requires other skills too.
At Job Corps, we teach our students how to live independently. This includes how to dress appropriately for work, be on time, solve problems, communicate with bosses and co-workers, resolve conflicts, make good decisions on the job, and so much more.
Job Corps is designed to help your student learn what life is going to be like outside of the program.
Students will live, learn, train, and work in a very structured environment. There are rules to follow, curfews to meet, and uniforms to wear. Getting used to a highly-structured atmosphere and being away from home can be very difficult. Your child may need extra support while participating in the program. Look for ways to encourage, including calls, e-mails, and letters.
Job Corps has a zero-tolerance policy for drugs and violence.
Train
Training. It's what Job Corps is all about.
Each Job Corps center offers a selection of our 81 career paths from which your child can choose to train. Job Corps continually evaluates the career training offered to ensure that students can study for careers in high-demand industries with the most need for well-trained employees.
At Job Corps, your child will get hands-on training in the career area they choose.
They will have the opportunity to work with an expert in the field, complete an internship, get real on-the-job training, and taste what the real world is like.
Good study habits will also go a long way.
While much of the Job Corps training is hands-on, you should also prepare your child to spend time with textbooks. Each training area requires learning rules, regulations, and best practices that can be found only by hitting the books.
Job Corps is very rewarding, but it requires hard work, focus, commitment, and motivation for students to succeed.
Train
Training. It's what Job Corps is all about.
Each Job Corps center offers a selection of our 81 career paths from which your child can choose to train. Job Corps continually evaluates the career training offered to ensure that students can study for careers in high-demand industries with the most need for well-trained employees.
At Job Corps, your child will get hands-on training in the career area they choose.
They will have the opportunity to work with an expert in the field, complete an internship, get real on-the-job training, and taste what the real world is like.
Good study habits will also go a long way.
While much of the Job Corps training is hands-on, you should also prepare your child to spend time with textbooks. Each training area requires learning rules, regulations, and best practices that can be found only by hitting the books.
Job Corps is very rewarding, but it requires hard work, focus, commitment, and motivation for students to succeed.
Connect
With employers. With instructors. With Job Corps.
After your child graduates, the program continues to provide support.
For 21 months after graduation, Job Corps will connect your child with career opportunities, housing assistance, transportation options, and child care services. A transition allowance is provided to help with this financial burden. Job Corps has put these support measures in place to help our students make a smooth transition to independent living.
80% of Job Corps graduates enter the workforce, join the military, or go on to higher education or an apprenticeship after graduation.
Many Job Corps centers partner with community colleges, so students can take classes and earn college credit while living on campus.
Connect
With employers. With instructors. With Job Corps.
After your child graduates, the program continues to provide support.
For 21 months after graduation, Job Corps will connect your child with career opportunities, housing assistance, transportation options, and child care services. A transition allowance is provided to help with this financial burden. Job Corps has put these support measures in place to help our students make a smooth transition to independent living.
80% of Job Corps graduates enter the workforce, join the military, or go on to higher education or an apprenticeship after graduation.
Many Job Corps centers partner with community colleges, so students can take classes and earn college credit while living on campus.
My son really likes Job Corps. He appreciates the structured lifestyle with strict rules. He prefers quiet at bedtime, so he can get to his studies. We are very proud of him for making the decision to better his life, and for working hard to learn his trade. He has a bright future ahead of him.
My son really likes Job Corps. We are very proud of him for making the decision to better his life, and for working hard to learn his trade. He has a bright future ahead of him.
Job Corps makes dreams a reality
for eligible teens and young adults across the nation.
To qualify for Job Corps, students must be…
16 to 24 years old
16 to 24-year-olds ready to work toward a successful future are welcome. The maximum age limit may be waived if the applicant is a person with a documented disability. For minors, a parent or guardian must sign a consent form.
In need of job skills
The applicant needs job skills training, education, counseling, or related assistance to help get you started on a career pathway.
Income eligible
Applicants must meet one or more of these conditions: receives public assistance, earns poverty-level income, is homeless, is a foster child, or qualifies for free or reduced-price lunch. Your admissions representative will help you determine your eligibility.
Able to work in the USA
The applicant is a U.S. citizen, is a legal U.S. resident, or is a resident of a U.S. territory and/or is authorized to work in the United States.
Because Job Corps is a voluntary program,
students choose to enroll in the program and may exit at any time.
My son attends a center in Ohio. He is doing well for himself, almost done with his career training and working on his high school diploma. Job Corps is a good thing!
My son attends a center in Ohio. He is doing well for himself, almost done with his career training and working on his high school diploma. Job Corps is a good thing!
Applying for Job Corps is
a big decision,
one that you and your child should make together.
If your child applies, encourage them to be patient. The process takes time and requires paperwork. The best thing you can do is help them stay positive and focused during the application period. There may also be a waiting period before they can enroll, and the time between being accepted and actually moving to Job Corps can be tough. Encourage your child to stay in touch with an admissions counselor and remain focused on goals and getting ready for the move.