Job Corps
U.S. Department of Labor
What is Job Corps ?
Job Corps is the nation's largest primary residential career technical training and education program for low-income at-risk youth ages 16 through 24, seeking to overcome barriers to employment. Job Corps enrolls approximately 50,000 young people each year at 119 centers in 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.
Job Corps graduates train in the skills needed to start a career, enlist in the military, or pursue higher education. Students have the opportunity to earn a high school diploma through partnerships with local school districts or a high school equivalency credential. Job Corps also provides room and board, counseling and mentoring services, and basic medical care while students are in the program, and career counseling and transitional support for up to 12 months after graduation.
Job Corps offers training in more than 100 career areas, and all programs start students on a path toward industry-recognized credentials.
Administration
Job Corps is administered by U.S. Department of Labor.
Program Requirements
Young people ages 16 through 24 who meet Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) requirementscan enroll in the program at no cost.
A person is eligible for Job Corps if he or she meets the following criteria:
- Is a legal U.S. citizen; a lawfully admitted permanent resident alien, refugee, asylee, or parolee, or other immigrant who has been authorized by the Department of Homeland Security to work in the United States; or a resident of a U.S. territory.
- At least 16 and not more than 24 years of age.
- Meets low-income criteria.
- Meets specific barriers to education and employment.
- Complies with the requirements of the Military Selective Service Act.
- Educational and training needs are best met by the Job Corps program.
- It can be reasonably expected that the applicant can participate successfully in group situations and activities.
- Applicant agrees to comply with the rules.
- Applicant does not have a disqualifying conviction.
- Does not require any face-to-face court or institutional supervision while in Job Corps and if court-imposed restitution or fines in excess of $500 are applicable, must meet further criteria.
- Has a child care plan if he or she is the parent of a dependent child.
- Has signed consent from a parent or guardian if he or she is an unemancipated minor.
Because Job Corps is a voluntary program, students choose to enroll in the program and may exit at any time.
*The maximum age limit may be waived if the applicant is a person with a documented disability.
Application Details
What is the application process for Job Corps ?
To enroll, call 1-800-733-JOBS [5627] or visit the
Recruiting and Enrollment Interest page.
People who are hearing-impaired may call this toll-free TTY number: 1-877-889-5627