Department of Labor

Job Corps is the nation’s largest federally–funded career training and education program for economically disadvantaged youth aged 16 through 24. Job Corps trains more than 60,000 students yearly in more than 100 career technical areas at 124 centers. The federal government contracts with MINACT, INC. to operate various centers and provide support services for thousands of students. The students of Job Corps receive academic guidance, hands-on training in high-growth career areas, and life-skills training to function as productive citizens. It allows students to earn a high school diploma, GED, or college credit. They can also select the kind of training they wish to do from various options, such as health care, construction, culinary arts, administrative support, advanced manufacturing, military enlistment, and technology. The students are given on-the-job training and also taught independent living skills. Since most Job Corps centers are residential, the students receive housing facilities, daily meals, primary medical care, and living allowances when enrolling in the program. Job Corps graduates also receive transitional support services for up to 18 months after they leave the program, including help locating housing, child care, and transportation facilities.