By Michaela Bishop
Northeast News
August 3, 2016

The Excelsior Springs Job Corps Center has an exceptional offer to the Kansas City area that you – or your young scholar – won’t be able to refuse.

Job Corps is a training program designed to help low-income students prepare to begin a legitimate career in a variety of fields. Job Corps teachers work closely with students between the ages of 16 and 24, helping them set career goals and develop a plan before the teachers even start educating them in the career of their choice. The teachers also show students the essence of job-searching, interviewing, and maintaining employment.

The cost-free program is available to any U.S. resident or lawfully admitted permanent resident who meets the age and low-income requirements, is in need of additional training to find or keep a job, does not exhibit extensive behavioral issues, and doesn’t use illegal drugs. The program encourages applicants who are high school dropouts, runaways, young parents, or homeless. Age requirements can be waived for applicants who show evidence of a documented disability.

Other than all of the learning opportunities, perhaps the most exciting part of the Job Corps program is that it’s 100% free of charge. The students who attend have to follow basic rules and regulations, but in return they get room and board, complimentary classes in the field of their choice, and basic medical and dental services. They also receive some spending money, assistance locating a job, housing, childcare, and transportation for up to 18 months after they complete the class. Rhonda Peery of Job Corps sees this as a great opportunity, especially for young individuals who may be struggling financially.

“It’s a wonderful program,” Peery said. “Your economic standing determines if you qualify for Job Corps.”

Some of the training opportunities the program has available include: carpentry, cement masonry, clinical medical assistant, culinary arts, facilities maintenance, health unit coordinator, medical administrative assistant, nurse assistant, painting, security, and welding. In fact, although Job Corps is based out of Excelsior Springs, one of the CNA training programs they offer – as well as the organization’s Admissions office – is actually located here in Kansas City, Missouri. If you would like more information about the program, feel free to contact the Kansas City Outreach Admissions Office at 816-921-3366.