The National Job Corps Association

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The National Job Corps Association

What is Job Corps? Job Corps is our nation's most successful career preparation program for at-risk young Americans ages 16-24.

The mission of the National Job Corps Association is to unite the Job Corps community through activities and services that strengthen the program for the benefit of students, staff and employers. The 125 Job Corps Centers in all 50 states have helped nearly 3 million disadvantaged young Americans complete their high school education and transition into higher education, a gainful career or militar

y service. Job Corps is able to succeed with a population that has been left behind by the traditional education system because Job Corps provides practical training tied to employers' real expectations. Job Corps' demand-driven model recognizes that young workers' success in today's labor market depend on four factors: Personal development, education, job skills and job readiness.

06/08/2026

On Memorial Day, students and staff from Ramey Job Corps Center participated in official ceremonies in Puerto Rico to pay tribute to the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

Students joined the Walk of Honor, reflecting on the sacrifices made by our nation’s heroes and gaining a deeper understanding of service, patriotism, and civic responsibility. Students from the Security Trade also served as ushers during the ceremony, welcoming distinguished guests, veterans, and government leaders from across Puerto Rico.

The event provided a meaningful opportunity for students to engage with their community while honoring the legacy of those who fought to protect our freedoms.

At Job Corps, we are proud to help develop future leaders who understand the importance of service, respect, and giving back to their communities.

06/05/2026

🌟📚 Giving Back Through Literacy and Community Service

Students from Pinellas County Job Corps recently partnered with Goodwill Suncoast to support its summer book program, helping ensure more children have access to books and reading opportunities.

Together, 19 students and 1 staff member contributed 57 hours of community service, cleaning and sorting books for distribution throughout the community.

💬 “It was so much fun taking the girls to Goodwill and having them clean and sort books for their summer program. The fun part was watching the girls remember books from their childhood and share why they were special.”
— Jill Hussung

06/02/2026

🌲🥾 Conservation in Action at Mingo Job Corps CCC

Students from Mingo Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center (CCC) are making a lasting impact on public lands through hands-on conservation work in Missouri.

Recently, students completed trail maintenance projects on the Songbird Trail, restoring approximately 100 feet of trail tread and clearing drains and culverts to help improve safety, accessibility, and long-term trail sustainability.

These projects do more than enhance outdoor recreation—they provide students with valuable real-world experience in conservation, land management, and environmental stewardship while serving local communities and visitors alike.

👏 Thank you to the Mingo Job Corps students and staff for your continued dedication to preserving our public lands and creating better outdoor experiences for everyone.

This is Job Corps at work: building skills, serving communities, and protecting our natural resources.

🔹 Songbird Trail: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mtnf/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=21734

🔹 Watercress Recreation Area: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mtnf/recarea/?recid=21744

🔹 Learn more about birding on the Mark Twain National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/mtnf/recreation/animals/?recid=21644&actid=29

05/29/2026

✨ : Maxx Kenney-Peterson ✨

When Maxx Kenney-Peterson visited Penobscot Job Corps Center on a high school field trip, he had no idea it would change the course of his future.

Coming to Job Corps from Portland, Maine, Maxx set out to earn his driver's license and gain practical skills that would help him build a successful career. What he found was much more than that.

Through Job Corps, Maxx discovered a passion for welding, gained experience in carpentry, earned his driver's license, purchased a car, and developed the confidence to pursue a career in the skilled trades.

When the uncertainty of the Job Corps pause challenged students and staff alike, Maxx chose to stay, advocate for his center, and remain committed to his goals.

💬 "I've made it way farther than I ever expected to, and it's made me a lot stronger of a person."

Now, Maxx is preparing for his next chapter—joining the Carpenters Union and heading straight into the workforce after graduation.

His advice to other young people is simple:

💬 "Job Corps is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You get free education, free housing, free career training, and skills that can change your future."

From a field trip visitor to a skilled trades professional, Maxx's story is proof that opportunity can start with a single visit—and lead to a lifetime of success.

05/27/2026

🇺🇸🔧 Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week at New Haven Job Corps

The New Haven Job Corps Center was honored to welcome Senator Richard Blumenthal during its Career Fair celebration for National Apprenticeship Week.

During his visit, Senator Blumenthal spent more than an hour speaking with students, learning about their career goals, and exploring the center’s hands-on training programs—including its four pre-apprenticeship trades that help prepare students for long-term career success.

His time with students highlighted the importance of workforce development, apprenticeship pathways, and investing in the next generation of skilled professionals.

We are grateful for Senator Blumenthal’s continued support of Job Corps students and the opportunities that programs like these create for young people across the country. 💙

05/25/2026

Today, we remember and honor the courageous men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

Their sacrifice will never be forgotten. Wishing everyone a meaningful Memorial Day. 🇺🇸

05/22/2026

✨ : Brooke Colon✨

Brooke Colon came to Loring Job Corps Center from Toms River, New Jersey looking for a fresh start and a real career path. Referred through a transitional living program, she saw Job Corps as an opportunity to move forward instead of standing still.

Today, Brooke is thriving in the Electrical trade—discovering strengths and opportunities she never imagined for herself.

💬 “When I came to Job Corps, I did not think I would be in a hard trade at all.”

Through hard work and determination, Brooke quickly proved herself in the program and discovered a passion not only for electrical work, but also for leadership. From serving as a CPP mentor and chore leader to preparing to run for Student Government Association, she’s built confidence in her ability to lead and inspire others.

💬 “It really showed me that I can be a good and assertive leader.”

Brooke now plans to continue growing in the electrical field with goals of becoming a journeyman, master electrician, and future team leader.

Her story is a powerful reminder that Job Corps opens doors students may never have seen before—and helps them realize what they’re truly capable of achieving. 💙

05/19/2026

🇺🇸✨ From Job Corps Student to Lifelong Public Servant

Emmanuel Mercado Ocasio entered Ramey Job Corps at just 16 years old with talent, determination, and a dream bigger than himself. A gifted fencing athlete from Puerto Rico’s Olympic Training Center, Emmanuel understood early on that success required more than skill—it required opportunity.

At Ramey Job Corps, he earned his high school education, completed the Plumbing Trade Program, and developed the discipline and leadership that would shape his future. After working as a plumber, Emmanuel went on to fulfill another dream: serving in the United States Army as a Military Police officer.

Today, after retiring from military service, he continues protecting and serving others as a federal law enforcement officer and Active Shooter Instructor.

Recently, Emmanuel returned to Ramey Job Corps—not as a student, but as an inspiration. He shared his journey with current students, reminding them that Job Corps is more than career training—it’s a pathway to purpose, growth, and opportunity.

💬 “The chair you sit in today can become the foundation of the life you dream about tomorrow.”

Stories like Emmanuel’s are a powerful reminder of why Job Corps matters. 💙

05/15/2026

🇺🇸👏 Leadership in Action at Long Beach Job Corps

Five student volunteers from Long Beach Job Corps recently assisted at U.S. Representative Nanette Barragán’s Community Conversation held at the Port of Los Angeles Boys & Girls Club in San Pedro, California.

The students represented their center with professionalism and pride—arriving on time, adhering to dress code expectations, and supporting the event with outstanding teamwork and service throughout the Town Hall.

A special moment of the day included student Tee K. presenting Congresswoman Barragán with a National Apprenticeship Week shirt that she personally designed, followed by a group photo with the Congresswoman.

Experiences like these give Job Corps students the opportunity to build confidence, strengthen leadership skills, and engage directly with community and civic leaders.

💙 We’re proud of these students for representing Job Corps so well!

Address

650 Massachusetts Avenue NW Suite 600
Washington D.C., DC
20001

Website

http://www.njcaweb.org/, http://www.jobcorpsnews.org/

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