Job Corps Gives Second Chance
Dear Ann Landers: Almost two years ago, you wrote about Job Corps in your column. As a result, thousands of people called and wrote seeking information and assistance. Today, many young people are furthering their education, training for their careers and becoming self-reliant, all because of that column.
Job Corps is America’s premier work-readiness program, offered free to qualifying low-income young adults ages 16 to 24. I am sending you letters from students, alumni, staff and community agencies about Job Corps. Their stories are inspiring and important, and I hope you will print them. - Elizabeth Cahill, regional director, Women in Community Service
Dear Elizabeth Cahill: Thank you for giving me the opportunity to mention Job Corps once again. It performs an outstanding service. Here are the letters:
From Drums, Pa.: At 17, I dropped out of school and started doing drugs. I had no education and no skills and was unemployed. I had a child when I was 18, went on welfare and worked minimum-wage jobs, but I wasn’t making ends meet. Since I have been at Job Corps, I have passed my GED, have obtained my driver’s permit and am learning how to be a medical assistant. Job Corps gave me a second chance.
Denise in Miss.: Besides academic and vocational training, Job Corps offers lifestyle skills - learning how to complete resumes, good manners, proper grooming and social skills. Job Corps has to be one of the best-kept secrets around.
Carey: I was 18 and in trouble when I first heard of Job Corps. I got my GED and was offered technical training while they fed and housed me and also paid a modest allowance. They even included medical care in the deal.
Francisco: I came to Job Corps without speaking a word of English. Thanks to Job Corps, I was able to purchase a home, get married and am now preparing to enter a master’s program in International Business Law.
Celia: Sixteen years ago, I passed by the Job Corps Center while riding the bus. It took me 10 months to get my GED and a business and clerical certificate, but Job Corps was worth it. I just bought my first home.
Michelle in Tucson: I was a single parent when I entered Job Corps. I am now getting a degree in business education. Single mothers, don’t give up.
Lina: In high school, all my friends were into drugs. My sister got me information on Job Corps, but I thought it was a scam - no program is going to give you something for nothing. Then, I discovered that Job Corps really helps. I have saved up enough money to share an apartment with a friend who also attends Job Corps. I am working hard to make a better life for myself.
James in Atlanta: I used to just sit home watching TV, thinking I wasn’t smart enough to do any better. When I came to Job Corps, my life changed. I really love this place.
Roshelle in Fort Lauderdale: I arrived at Job Corps with a negative attitude. Through counseling, teachers who care and being in a safe, positive environment, I have changed. I am the happiest person in the world. Job Corps made me realize I am someone special and can be everything I want to be.
Dear Readers: For more information about enrolling in Job Corps, hiring Job Corps graduates or volunteering to help Job Corps students, call 1-800-733-JOBS or 1-800-JOB-CORPS, or write to Job Corps, P.O. Box 193768, San Francisco, CA 94119. (Internet address: www.jobcorps.org)