Job Corps

      The Job Corps is an entry level job opportunity for youth age 16-24. It is a U.S. Department of Labor Program. You can live at the Job Corps Center for up to 2 years, and will be trained for an entry level job in a variety fields. People are helped to get their G.E.D. or High School Diploma, and drivers license. You are even paid a monthly salary.
      The Job Corps was designed for the disadvantaged. About 9 out of 10 enrollees are from households below the poverty line or receiving welfare benefits. Job Corps enrollees are on average age 18, but reading levels are often at the sixth-grade level, or below. The program is self paced and takes place in a variety of facilities across the country. They have zero tolerance for violence and drugs.

      Call 1-800-733-JOBS for more information, or call 1-800-230-5627 and speak to a Job Corps Admissions Counselor.

      The Job Corps Homepage includes this nice guide about life at Job Corps and the program, and a map for contacting the admissions counselor nearest you.

      Read a technical analysis of some programs which are similar to the Job Corps, like the following: Alternative Youth Employment Strategies (AYES), Recruitment and Training Program (RTP) Career Exploration Program, Project STEADY (Special Training and Employment Assistance for Disadvantaged Youth).

      There are no doubt other youth programs out there. The links page on the Job Corps Homepage has a long list of resources, and potentially good programs.
      Also, interesting is a great Adjunct Clearinghouse on Service-Learning called the National Service-Learning Cooperative Clearinghouse. It has a constellation of pointers to lists of youth-oriented programs (mostly volunteer). There are to many too know if there may be programs which help youth to be on their own, but this is a good place to look.


      Free Job Corps Benefits

      Pay
      Housing
      Meals
      Recreation Programs
      Savings
      Clothing Allowances
      Child Care Money
      Medical & Dental Care
      Counseling
      Job Placement

      Free Training

      Vocational Skills
      Basic Education
      GED/H.S. Diploma
      Driver's Education
      Social Life Skills
      College Programs
      English as a Second Language

      It's a beginning for your future as an alternative to the armed services. However, if you qualify, the military offers a 16-17 year old a more truly successful opportunity. In the military, a person can be a shining success in life, and lets face it you deserve that.

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