[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 59 (Wednesday, April 22, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E557]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    IN RECOGNITION OF THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE JOB CORPS PROGRAM

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                          HON. RICHARD E. NEAL

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 22, 2015

  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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