I want to wish everyone in our Job Corps community happy holidays! Whether you’re celebrating or simply spending time with those you love, I hope it’s a happy and healthy season for you. And of course, here’s to a bright new year in 2023.
Before we say goodbye to 2022, there’s a lot to reflect on about the past year, from proud moments to new challenges, to amazing opportunities. I’ll share some highlights below.
Students Today. Leaders Tomorrow.
On Dec. 1 and 2, we welcomed the center director and a student leader from each Job Corps center to Washington, D.C., for a Leadership Summit. It was an action-packed two days full of learning and leading. Center directors had the opportunity to hear from U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh, a panel of our employer partners and leadership experts. We engaged in productive and spirited discussions to help us prepare Job Corps for the next generation of students.
Our students had the opportunity to meet and speak with so many influential people, from U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh and Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg to their own congressional representatives. They heard from Job Corps alumni, toured Capitol Hill and the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and many met Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff at the White House.
Thank you to everyone who made this amazing time together possible. And our students thank you, too—here’s a letter from two of them:
U.S. Senator Mitt Romney and two Job Corps students
Job Corps students with Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh and Second Gentleman of the United States Douglas Emhoff
(Right to Left) Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh; Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg; Brent Parton, Acting Assistant Secretary, Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor
Two Job Corps students with U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin
We would simply just love to start off by thanking you guys for putting together Job Corps Leadership Summit 2.0. You guys fostered our student experience by creating opportunities to engage with alumni, chairmen, secretaries, and other people who took time out of their busy days to elaborate and inform us on enhancing Job Corps.
This summit also promotes positive connections between other students as well as staff members. Building these relationships embraces positive attitudes and beliefs and gives both staff and students an understanding of the needs and experiences of students while possessing understanding of the school environment.
Students who feel connected to school are more likely to succeed. Fortunately, WE ARE THOSE STUDENTS.
We look forward to updating you all on our future successes. Thanks and thanks again!
Malonna, Charleston Job Corps (WV) Zarriyyah, Carl D. Perkins Job Corps (KY)
Signing Day
We launched this campaign to get new students excited about making the commitment to Job Corps and celebrate each step of their journey. It was a resounding success, both in person and on social media. Every student who took the time to consider the “why” behind their decision to join Job Corps is set up for success—and I know you’ll be in their corner as they progress through the program.
New Partnerships
Job Corps is lucky to have so many incredible partners that help train our students, from national large employers to union partners, to small businesses. This year, we announced a new formal partnership with the American Hospitality and Lodging Association Foundation (AHLAF). This collaboration will provide Job Corps students access to hotel jobs and AHLAF’s flagship apprenticeship program.
These students from Cascades Job Corps are already benefiting from this wonderful partnership. They earned their Certified Restaurant Server credentials from AHLAF!
Job Corps also launched a collaboration with Amazon Web Services’ re/Start program to help Information Technology students launch careers in cloud computing. Plus, we formalized a partnership with Mercedes-Benz USA to benefit our Automotive and Machine Repair students with training opportunities and curriculum.
Making a Difference
The Job Corps program provides our students with opportunities to get involved in their communities. A group of 18 students and two staff members from Pinellas County Job Corps recently volunteered to help victims impacted by Hurricane Ian. They worked with the American Red Cross and washed 670 cots. This is just one example of the meaningful service our students are giving their communities across the country.
“To be able to give back to the community felt really good,” said SGA President Ja’kel Young. Way to go, JC!
Newest Graduates
Just as we celebrated students at the beginning of their Job Corps journey through Signing Day, we cheered on all of Job Corps’ newest graduates this year. I am so proud of all they have accomplished and can’t wait to hear about their continued success.
Job Corps Wins
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is fast approaching on Monday, Jan. 16. Does your center have any activities planned to commemorate this historic day? Please send any photos and descriptions tonews@doljobcorps.comso that we can share them.
U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Job Corps, 200 Constitution Ave NW, Suite N4463, Washington, DC 20210, 800-733-JOBS (5627)
Job Corps is a U.S. Department of Labor Equal Opportunity Employer Program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. TDD/TTY telephone number is (877) 889-5627.