Twitter Live Chat With Foster Care Advocate Chris Patterson

JC grad Christopher Patterson, who spent much of his childhood in foster care, credits Job Corps for helping pave the way for his future.  

Chris will join us for a live chat on Twitter @DOLJobCorps this Wednesday, July 13, at 3:05 p.m. CDT to share his career journey and advice for anyone considering Job Corps.  

As so many children did, Chris bounced from home to home as a child in foster care. At the age of 12, he was placed with a foster family that provided the support and stability Chris needed and craved.  

Chris graduated from high school, and from there, he entered the Curlew Job Corps Civilian Conservation in Washington, earning his Red Card to fight fires in Yellowstone National Park and graduating from the Forestry program. 

Now as a manager of BreakThrough Inc., overseeing the operation of residential homes for foster youth across the country, Chris helps young people like himself navigate their futures. 

Tune in to hear how Chris went from Job Corps student to foster care advocate. Mark your calendar for Wednesday, July 13, and join us!  

Chris tells his story.

When we invest in our youth, we invest in the future. 

As a residential program, Job Corps offers someone transitioning out of foster care the opportunity to train for a career in one of the nation’s fastest-growing industries, such as health care, construction and renewable resources.  

With support from our instructors, career counselors and staff members, students can finish their high school education, complete career training, learn employability skills and work with a career counselor to find a job after graduation—all for free.  

While they’re preparing for their future, students will have a safe place to sleep, nutritious meals to fuel them throughout the day and a regular allowance.  

Please forward this e-mail to the foster families or youth you work with to let them know about the new opportunities at Job Corps.  

You can also find other resources at info.joinjobcorps.com/foster-care as you help the youth you serve transition to independent living and a career. 

Help them get started:

• Learn about Job Corps’ eligibility requirements and the option to enroll virtually.
• Encourage them to fill out an Enrollment Interest Form to be put in touch with an admissions counselor.

Our local admissions counselors will support them every step of the way through the process.

We're ready to help foster youth find their next step.

jobcorps.gov  |  800-733-JOBS (5627)