What is the Job Corps?

The Job Corps is the nation's largest residential education and training program for disadvantaged youth. There are 111 centers in 46 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. It is a time-tested program, touching the lives of 100,000 young people every year. Since its inception in 1964, Job Corps has guided more than 1.5 million young people away from lives filled with poverty, unemployment, crime and welfare and steered them towards brighter futures filled with self-confidence, independence and productive employment.

The Job Corps succeeds in a way few other programs -- public or private -- do. It is a full-time, year-round residential program that offers a comprehensive array of training, education and supportive services, including supervised dormitory housing, meals, medical care and counseling.

The program provides occupational exploration; world of work and social skills training; and competency-based vocational and basic education. Occupational trades offered include construction, automotive mechanics and repair, business and clerical, retail trades, health occupations, computer occupations and culinary arts. Post-program placement services are provided for all terminees.

Much of the program's success lies in its strict discipline and behavioral standards -- important for achieving success in life. Job Corps maintains a Zero Tolerance Policy for violence and drugs. Penalties for violations may be severe, including expulsion from the program.

Approximately 90% of students are residential; the remaining students commute to their centers daily. Students can be enrolled in the Job Corps for up to two years. Enrollment in the Job Corps is voluntary and programs are designed to allow students to progress at their own pace.

Who Is Eligible?

To be eligible for the Job Corps, participants must be between 16 and 24 years of age; be economically disadvantaged; be high school dropouts or in need of additional education or training; not be on probation or parole; be free of serious medical or behavioral problems, and come from disruptive environments. The typical Job Corps student is an 18-year-old high-school dropout who reads at the seventh grade level, belongs to a minority group and has never held a full-time job. Approximately 70% of Job Corps enrollees are members of minority groups; 80% are high school dropouts, and over 40% are from families on public assistance.