Celebrating 60 Years of Careers.
For the last 60 years, Job Corps has been a catalyst for the careers of young people across the country. We’ve inspired confidence, independence and success by offering free training in some of the nation’s high-demand industries. While we're celebrating 60 years of success, our future begins here.
1964–1969
- The first Job Corps center opens.
- The first Job Corps women’s center opens.
- The first Job Corps center in Puerto Rico opens.
- Job Corps announces nonresidential training, allowing students to live at home and commute to campus.
1970–1979
- Job Corps establishes its first day care and coeducational centers.
- Job Corps develops bilingual training to accommodate Hispanic youth.
- 95th Congress doubles the size of Job Corps.
- Job Corps institutes the Advanced Career Training (ACT) program, allowing students to attend college or receive advanced training.
- Job Corps operates in 40 states and Puerto Rico.
- Job Corps announces its first Hall of Fame winner.
1980–1989
- Job Corps adds a pilot program for 22- to 24-year-olds.
- Job Corps starts “Jump Start to Language Power,” which aims to improve students’ communication skills through reading, journal writing and group discussion.
- Job Corps expands to enroll youth experiencing homelessness.
1990–1999
- Job Corps initiates an online, real-time data system.
- Job Corps introduces performance-related student pay, incentives and bonuses.
- A new code of conduct with zero tolerance for drugs and violence is implemented at all Job Corps centers.
- Job Corps begins partnering with employers.
2000–2009
- The Career Development Services System (CDSS) is implemented, establishing a phased approach to serving students—from admissions through career transition.
- U.S. Department of Labor signs agreement with U.S. Department of Education increasing Job Corps students’ earning potential through the acquisition of a high school diploma.
- Job Corps establishes national presences on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
- Job Corps expands its career programs to include skills training in sustainability and clean energy.
2010–2019
- Job Corps launches Youth 2 Youth (Y2Y), a student-led initiative to combat violence and drug use while supporting mental health on campuses.
- Job Corps’ Safety Hotline is developed to support safety and security on campuses.
- Job Corps establishes MyPACE (My Pathway to Achieving Career Excellence), a digital career planning system for students.
- With the opening of the New Hampshire center, Job Corps operates in all 50 states, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico.
- Job Corps announces a new tagline: Careers Begin Here.
2020–2024
- Job Corps returns to in-person training post-COVID-19 pandemic.
- Job Corps establishes national presences on Twitter/X and LinkedIn.
- Job Corps forms national partnerships with Amazon Web Services, Federal Aviation Administration, FedEx, FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), and Johnson & Johnson Vision.
- Job Corps reinstates its Hall of Fame.
- Job Corps has served 3 million young people since its inception.
