Honoring the 50th Anniversary of Job Corps
Floor Speech
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Mr. LARSEN of Washington. Mr. Speaker, today I congratulate Job Corps
on the recent 50th Anniversary of the founding of the program.
Established in 1955 as a partnership between public agencies and
private businesses, Job Corps has since offered more than 3 million
young people housing, educational opportunities and job training to
connect them with good jobs and financial independence.
Every year, more than 50,000 people enroll in Job Corps, including
veterans, young parents and youth aging out of the foster system,
because Job Corps provides these individuals with the critical
resources they need to become successful. Job Corps continues to evolve
to meet the changing needs of youth and employers, preparing students
to succeed in the current marketplace. And it changes lives--more than
80% of Job Corps graduates obtain jobs, join the military or enroll in
higher education.
Cascades Job Corps in Sedro-Woolley is one of four centers in
Washington state. Cascades Job Corps Center ably serves my
constituents, helping nearly 500 students each year learn skills
necessary to fully participate in our economy and democracy. Hands-on
and self-paced job training in fields like carpentry, medicine and
office administration ensures that students are qualified for jobs in
the local economy. After graduating from the program students receive
support to help them find housing, transportation and jobs in their
field.
Cascades Job Corps Center was recently selected by the Burlington
Chamber of Commerce as Business of the Year, underscoring its
importance in the community. Nationally, Job Corps generates an average
of $1.91 in local economic activity for each dollar invested in it. The
Cascades Job Corps Center also makes a difference by partnering with
local organizations like Community Action of Skagit County, Habitat for
Humanity and the Helping Hands Food Bank to offer students meaningful
service work.
I congratulate Job Corps for 50 years of offering young people from
all walks of life the opportunity to build successful careers and
fulfilling lives.
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