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. Students spent time with U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh, took a trip to Capitol Hill to meet one-on-one with their congressional representative, and toured the National Museum of African American History and Culture (which opened early just for them). A panel of Job Corps alumni shared their successes with the students. They also got to meet and speak with Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, U.S. Senators and Representatives, and many even met Second Gentleman Doug 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
Job Corps students with Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh and Second Gentleman of the United States Douglas Emhoff
U.S. Senator Mitt Romney and two Job Corps students
Two Job Corps students and U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin
I am so honored to lead this program. I loved the chance to meet so many of you, and I look forward to seeing you grow into phenomenal leaders!
Signing Day
Signing Day is all about getting new students excited to make the commitment to Job Corps and celebrating each step along the journey toward your goals. If you participated in a Signing Day event, I hope that moment to reflect on the “why” behind your decision to join Job Corps was meaningful for you. Always remember your “why.”
New Partnerships
Job Corps is lucky to have so many incredible partners that help provide training to you, 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). I’m excited about this collaboration that 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
If you want to get involved in your community, Job Corps can help you do it. Take this group of 18 students and two staff members from Pinellas County Job Corps, who volunteered to help victims impacted by Hurricane Ian. They worked with the American Red Cross and washed 670 cots.
“To be able to give back to the community felt really good,” said SGA President Ja’kel Young. Way to go, JC! Ask your center leadership about service projects you can get involved with.
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. Whether you completed the program this year or still have a way to go, I am so proud of everything you have accomplished. I can’t wait to hear about all your success in 2023.
Job Corps Wins
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is fast approaching on Monday, Jan. 16. Are you or your center doing anything 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.