What is Job Corps?

Job Corps is the nation's largest and most comprehensive residential, education and job training program for at-risk youth, ages 16 through 24. Since its inauguration in 1964, under the Economic Opportunity Act, Job Corps has provided more than 2 million disadvantaged young people with the integrated academic, vocational, and social skills training they need to gain independence and get quality, long-term jobs or further their education.

Today, Job Corps continues to serve nearly 70,000 students a year at 118 Job Corps centers throughout the country. Operating within the Career Development Services System (CDSS), Job Corps training is composed of five stages: Outreach and Admissions (OA), Career Preparation Period (CPP), Career Development Period (CDP), Career Transition Period (CTP), and Career. The fundamental goal of the process is to help students achieve their career objective. Job Corps is a public-private partnership, administered by the U. S. Department of Labor (DOL), Office of Youth Services (OYS). If you’re looking for an opportunity, Job Corps is looking for you!.

Our Mission:

As a national, primarily residential, career development program, Job Corps' mission is to:

1. Attract eligible young adults;

2. Involve them in a career development services system which begins prior to enrollment and continues through post-center services;

3. Assist them in acquiring the skills they need to achieve their career goals and live independently; and

4. Support them in entering and remaining in meaningful jobs or further education.

Job Corps Program Administration

Job Corps is authorized by Title I-C of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998. Job Corps is administered by the Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Office of Job Corps, under the leadership of the National Director, supported by a National Office staff and a field network of Regional Offices of Youth Services and Job Corps.

Education, training and support services are provided to students at Job Corps center campuses located throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. Job Corps centers are operated for the Department of Labor by private companies through competitive contracting processes, and by other Federal Agencies through interagency agreements.

Applicants are identified and screened for eligibility by organizations contracted by the Department of Labor.

Following enrollment, job or further academic placement, follow-up and transitional career development support services are provided for eligible students through organizations contracted by the Department of Labor.