2. What is the annual budget for the national operations? For Wisconsin?

The annual appropriation for Job Corps is $1.5 billion, $100 Million of which is for construction and rehabilitation of facilities. Currently, funding exists to build a site in Milwaukee. Future budgets include an estimated cost for the operation of the center; however, funding will not be allocated until actual costs have been determined. The estimated cost for one year of operation of the Milwaukee center is $9.7 million.

3. What is the cost of training each student? Who pays these costs?

The average cost for training is $25,000 per student. The US Department of Labor funds the entire project.

4. Who operates the facility and trains the students?

The entire operation of the facility will be contracted to a private, for profit organization, through a competitive bid process. Award of successive contract years will be based on performance.

5. Where do Job Corps graduates end up in the workforce?

Graduates are qualified for entry-level employment opportunities in a variety of occupations, just as vocational college graduates would be.

6. What is the graduation rate from the program?

On average, 60-65% of students leave the program as graduates.

7. Do graduates obtain at least a high school diploma?

The current definition of a graduate, developed by the US Congress, is a student with a GED/HSD and/or vocational certificate.

8. What is the job placement rate?

Approximately 91% of students are placed upon graduation.

9. What percentage of those placed are still on the job after 6 months or one year?

Approximately 65-67% of graduates remain employed after 6 and 12 months.

10. How many of the graduates are employed in the food service industry?

Non-graduates often get these types of jobs; however, graduates are expected to get jobs matching their training program. The current job training match is approximately 65%.

11. How many of the graduates are employed in the janitorial or cleaning service
industry?

Non-graduates may be able to get these types of jobs, but again, graduates are expected to get training-related jobs.

12. What kind of follow up is done on those who have completed the training?

Students who do not graduate are provided job search assistance and referral to a One-Stop Center. Graduates are provided with job search assistance and other assistance such as locating housing, transportation, child care, health care, for up to six months following graduation. Graduates also receive approximately $1,000 to help with the down payment on an apartment or other job readiness activities.

 

14. What are the requirements for enrollment?

Applicants must meet poverty income guidelines, must not have a criminal past or any recent felonies, or be on probation. Applicants should not have any serious behavioral, medical, or mental health problems.

15. What is the gender composition of Job Corps students?

Approximately half the students are male and half the students are female.

16. How many of the females are pregnant or become pregnant?

Pregnant females are not allowed to enroll in the program, and very few females become pregnant while in the program.

17. What are the age ranges for Job Corps students?

Job Corps students range from 16 - 24 years old.

18. What is a typical class size at the Job Corps Center?

Class sizes vary, but the student to teacher ratio at the Job Corps is 15 to 1.

19. What is the typical length of stay at the Job Corps Center?

Students are usually in training for eight hours, and also have required activities before and after the training day. Students may be enrolled in the program for up to two years, but the average length of stay is 11.2 months for graduates.

20. Do Job Corps students receive federal or state money?

Yes. The Department of Labor provides students with a small bi-weekly stipend, a small clothing allotment, and starts a savings account for each student for use upon graduation.

21. Do students pay anything for tuition, classes, books, fees or housing expenses?

No.

22. Are these students who could generally be classified as drug users, drug addicts, troublemakers or ex-convicts?

No. Applicants are required to sign statements indicating that they are drug free and they are tested for drugs upon entry into the program. The Job Corps Center also screens for criminal or mental health concerns in the application process.

23. Are students required to remain on campus during their tenure at the Center?

Initially, most students remain on the campus. A progressive discipline system allows for more time off campus.

24. Do students have freedom to come and go as they please after daily classes?

No. The residential students must earn the privilege to leave the campus. Approximately 20% of the students are day attendees who reside off campus.

25. How are off-site students transported to school, and at whose expense?

The Center operator is provided government vehicles to transport students. Day students make substantial use of public transportation.

26. Are students allowed to have vehicles while living on campus?

Not if they reside on campus. Some of the day attendees (approximately 20% of the students) may choose to drive. Traditionally, day students make extensive use of public transportation.

27. What are the evening, weekend and holiday requirements?

Students are allowed to go home on weekends and holidays, and may leave in the evenings depending upon their status.

28. Are students supervised and monitored?

Yes. Job Corps is similar to a junior college, with a few more restrictions and rules. It is not a “boot camp” or a reform program.

29. What controls are placed on students?

The Job Corps institutes a Zero Tolerance for drugs, alcohol, and violence of any kind. A dress code, dorm curfew hours and “lights out” policies are also instituted. Students are required to be on time and attend all scheduled classes and activities.

30. What are the discipline procedures for rule infractions?

Sanctions range from fines to restriction and expulsion, depending on the seriousness of the infraction. Students move through a progressive discipline system based on good behavior. They may lose privileges and status if they do not adhere to center rules and regulations.

31. What percentage of students wind up incarcerated or in drug or alcohol rehabilitation after graduation?

Very few, even among those students who do not graduate.

32. What kind of security is present at the Job Corps Center?

The Job Corps Center includes full time security staff who regularly patrol the grounds.

33. What recreational facilities are provided?

The Job Corps Center will likely include a recreation facility, including a basketball court, game room, weight room, arts and crafts room, and student lounge. A variety of other recreational activities are provided during the evening and weekend hours.