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.

09/04/2026

🎓 Celebrating the Arecibo Job Corps Class of 2026!

On August 28, Arecibo Job Corps graduates crossed the stage at the Sixto Escobar Auditorium in Barceloneta, Puerto Rico—marking an important milestone and the beginning of their next chapter.

The celebration reached beyond the auditorium, with the Municipality of Arecibo and Island News sharing highlights from the ceremony across their social media platforms and helping shine a spotlight on these deserving graduates.

Every diploma represents dedication, perseverance and a young person prepared to take their skills into the workforce and their community.

Congratulations to the Arecibo Job Corps Class of 2026. We can’t wait to see where you go from here! 🎉👏

Ready to start building your own future? Job Corps provides eligible young people with hands-on career training, education and the support they need to take the next step toward a successful career. Learn more and start your journey at enroll.jobcorps.gov.

09/02/2026

Building skills. Strengthening communities. 🛠️

At Atterbury Job Corps Center, students in Building Construction Technology and Heavy Construction Equipment Operator trades are putting their training to work beyond the classroom.

Through a hands-on project at Johnson County Park, students installed split rail fencing throughout the park—helping improve safety and functionality while gaining valuable real-world experience along the way.

Projects like this are what Job Corps is all about: giving young people opportunities to develop in-demand trade skills while building teamwork, confidence and a sense of responsibility to the communities around them.

That’s career training with an impact. 💪

08/27/2026

🎓 Celebrating the Los Angeles Job Corps Class of 2026!

On June 18, Los Angeles Job Corps celebrated its newest graduates as they marked an important milestone and prepared to take the next steps toward their futures.

The ceremony featured special keynote speaker and recording artist Ronnie Bell, who has been part of the music industry since 2001 and continues to perform for audiences across the country. Bell shared his personal journey and a powerful message of hope, perseverance, and believing in what’s possible with the graduating class.

Graduation represents so much more than completing a program. It represents the hard work, determination, skills, and confidence these young people have built along the way—and the new opportunities now ahead of them.

👏 Congratulations to the Los Angeles Job Corps graduates! We look forward to seeing where your training, talent, and determination take you next.

And a special thank you to Ronnie Bell for helping make this milestone even more memorable and for sharing his story with the next generation.

08/25/2026

🌟 : Terry Venita Howard

When Terry Vanita Howard arrived at Atlanta Job Corps in 1975, she was a young woman from the small town of Union Point, Georgia, stepping into a world very different from the one she knew.

Job Corps gave Terry the opportunity to gain career skills—but the lessons that stayed with her went far beyond her training.

She learned how to work alongside people from different backgrounds, navigate unfamiliar situations, build relationships and discover what she was capable of.

“I would not have been that courageous if it hadn’t been for my Job Corps experience.”

Today, Terry is CEO of the Springfield Community Center, where she is working to preserve an important piece of local history: an old log cabin school with deep roots in the African American community. Through her work, she is helping ensure that the stories, accomplishments and history connected to the site are not forgotten.

Looking back, Terry sees Job Corps as an important part of the road that took her from a sheltered young woman in a small community to the leader she is today.

And her advice to young people who may still be figuring out what comes next?

“If you’re not clear where you want to go, Job Corps can help you get there.”

For Terry, Job Corps wasn’t simply a place to learn a trade. It was a place to learn about herself—and gain the confidence to step into the world beyond it.

This is Terry’s . 💙

08/20/2026

🛠️ Building Skills. Building Careers. Building Futures.

At Old Dominion Job Corps, students aren’t just learning about the skilled trades—they’re getting the hands-on experience to build careers in them.

Through a partnership with the Home Builders Institute (HBI), students receive practical training, work toward industry-recognized credentials, and develop the skills employers are looking for in today’s skilled-trades workforce.

From learning to safely operate professional tools and equipment to developing the technical skills needed on the job, experiences like these help students turn training into real career opportunities.

For young people looking for a different path to a successful future, Job Corps can be the place to start.

🔨 Learn a trade.
🎓 Earn credentials.
💼 Prepare for a career.

👉 Learn more about Job Corps and how to enroll at enroll.JobCorps.gov

08/18/2026

Students at Wind River Job Corps recently took their training beyond the classroom and into their community, lending a hand at the Riverton Museum.

Students from Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Heavy Equipment Operations, and Petroleum Service Technician training worked together to remove graffiti and clean up the museum grounds—putting teamwork, responsibility, and hands-on skills into action while helping care for an important community space.

Experiences like these are an important part of Job Corps. Students have opportunities to develop career-ready skills while learning the value of service and making a positive impact in the communities around them.

👏 Great work to the Wind River Job Corps students who rolled up their sleeves and gave back!

Interested in gaining hands-on skills that can help build your future? Job Corps offers career training and opportunities for eligible young people ages 16–24.

👉 Learn more and get started at enroll.JobCorps.gov

08/16/2026

🤝 Connecting with Communities Across Puerto Rico

Students and staff from Arecibo Job Corps Center recently spent a day connecting with families and community leaders through two events in neighboring municipalities.

In Hatillo, Arecibo Job Corps participated in a community event alongside the Mayor and municipal representatives, engaging with residents and strengthening connections within the community.

Later that same day, the center joined the Municipality of Camuy for a Back-to-School community event, collaborating with the Mayor and his administration to support local students and families as they prepared for the new school year.

Opportunities like these give Job Corps students the chance to engage with the communities around them while representing the values of service, leadership, and connection that are an important part of the Job Corps experience.

Thank you to the municipalities of Hatillo and Camuy for welcoming Arecibo Job Corps and for their continued commitment to supporting young people and their futures!

08/06/2026

🏆 Success Story: Donaldson Pierre

When Donaldson Pierre arrived in the United States from Haiti at just 16 years old, he carried little more than determination and a dream of building a better life.

That dream led him to Job Corps.

Donaldson began his journey by earning certifications in phlebotomy and EKG before continuing his education through Advanced Training at the St. Louis Job Corps Center. Along the way, he developed not only technical skills, but also the confidence, discipline, and leadership that would shape his future.

His dedication opened doors to a full soccer scholarship at Harris-Stowe State University, where he balanced athletics, academics, and fatherhood while earning his bachelor's degree in Computer Science Technology. He was also recognized as an Outstanding Young Leader for his leadership and service.

Today, Donaldson is a licensed real estate agent with Wells Fargo Advisors, serving clients in Missouri and Texas. He is also a proud father of two, a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, a business owner, and a mentor who is committed to helping other young adults achieve their goals.

💬 "I'm proof that if you start from zero, but have focused goals, you can achieve anything in life." — Donaldson Pierre

Donaldson's story is a powerful reminder that Job Corps is more than career training—it's a launchpad for opportunity, leadership, and lifelong success.

Congratulations, Donaldson, on inspiring the next generation of Job Corps students!

08/04/2026

At Penobscot Job Corps Center, students proved that career training goes far beyond the classroom.

Fourteen Carpentry pre-apprentices partnered with the Downtown Bangor Partnership to build 10 beautiful flower planters, replacing planter boxes that had served the community for nearly 30 years. Throughout the week-long project, students gained valuable hands-on experience while making a lasting impact on a space that thousands of residents and visitors enjoy every day.

As Lead Carpentry Instructor Leighton Buchanan shared, "It was a great opportunity for my pre-apprentices to build something that helps improve our city." The Downtown Bangor Partnership praised the students' craftsmanship, noting that the high-quality planters will serve the community for years to come.

Projects like this demonstrate what Job Corps is all about—developing skilled professionals while giving back to the communities they call home.

Ready to build your future? Whether you're interested in the skilled trades, healthcare, technology, hospitality, or dozens of other career paths, Job Corps can help you take the first step.

👉 Learn more and enroll today at: enroll/JobCorps.gov

07/30/2026

🏆 Alumni of the Quarter: Dailyn Boyd-Barnes

When Dailyn Boyd-Barnes enrolled at Milwaukee Job Corps in January 2024, he was ready to start a new chapter and explore career opportunities that could build a stronger future.

Dailyn chose Welding, earned his welding certification and high school diploma, and became an active member of the Student Government Association, where he continued developing his leadership skills.

After graduating in May 2025, Dailyn turned his training into a rewarding career. Today, he works as a welder with Boilermakers Local 107 in Brookfield, Wisconsin. His work takes him to a variety of job sites, including nuclear and coal power plants, where he builds scaffolding, reads blueprints, and puts his welding skills to work.

Job Corps introduced Dailyn to the opportunities available through union careers and helped him make the transition from working regular jobs to building a career he is passionate about. At just 22 years old, he is earning great pay, learning from experienced welders and mentors, and discovering new opportunities every day.

💬 “I went from regular jobs to a career. The opportunity to become a welder through Job Corps helped me land a very good-paying career with Boilermakers Local 107. Being in a union at 22 is something everyone should look into.”

Congratulations to Dailyn Boyd-Barnes, our Alumni of the Quarter! His journey is a powerful example of how career training, hard work, and the right opportunity can create a life-changing future.
👉 enroll.jobcorps.gov

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Website

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

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