[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 142 (Wednesday, September 30, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1395]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF JOB CORPS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. RICK LARSEN

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 30, 2015

  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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