In Recognition of the 50th Anniversary of the Job Corps Program

Floor Speech

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Mr. NEAL. Mr. Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to recognize the 50th anniversary of the Job Corps Program. With Westover Job Corps Center in Chicopee, Massachusetts within my district, I would like to say a few words on the successes that Job Corps have had over their distinguished history.

The Job Corps Program was created as a collaboration between the public and private sectors to help poor and unemployed young people gain the skills to enter the job market. Job Corps' educational model allows academic and vocational professionals to create self-paced work plans for their students. With their residential campuses, counselors, instructors, and advisors work with their students on a 24 hours a day, 7 days a week basis to develop the life skills, financial literacy, and responsible citizenship that students require for the future. 80 percent of all Job Corps graduates are able to find employment, move onto higher education, or serve their nation in the Armed Forces. Over their 50 year history, more than 3 million jobless and underemployed people have benefitted from the unique opportunity that Job Corps offers.

Mr. Speaker, Job Corps remains a life-changing resource for thousands of at-risk, jobless, and disenfranchised youths around the country. I have personally seen the improvements that have been made to students' lives at Westover Job Corps Center over my tenure in Congress. I wish them continued success as they continue their great work in the future.

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