Program Design
Through a nationwide network of campuses, Job Corps offers a comprehensive array of career development services to at-risk young women and men, ages 16 to 24, to prepare them for successful careers. Job Corps employs a holistic career development training approach which integrates the teaching of academic, vocational, employability skills and social competencies through a combination of classroom, practical and based learning experiences to prepare youth for stable, long-term, high-paying jobs.
The Job Corps design includes the following features:
- Standard eligibility criteria (12 kb PDF file)
- A defined set of core competencies in academic, vocational, information technology, employability and independent living skills which represent the fundamental skills students need to secure and maintain employment
- Standardized systems for financial reporting, data collection, student benefits and accountability
- Nationally established performance outcomes, goals and quality expectations
The Job Corps design is based on the principles of quality services and individualized instruction to meet the needs of each student. Training approaches and methods of implementation vary to allow tailoring of service components and delivery methods, effectively use resources and meet individual student and employer needs.