Exeter Job Corps Academy RI School Counselor Association Annual Spring Conference April 27, 2007

What is Job Corps? n USDOL’s oldest, most successful youth employment and training program n Dates back to President Johnson’s “War on Poverty” n Currently celebrating our 42 th year of success nationwide n A voluntary, federally-funded program, Job Corps serves economically young adults disadvantaged youth ages n 120 Job Corps Centers in 48 states n Adams & Associates, Inc. operates 10 centers including Exeter, Rhode Island n Adams supports 94 full-time positions in Exeter – 2 nd largest Town employer.

What does Job Corps do? n Holistic approach with behavioral modification to Youth Development n Educational, Occupational and Life Skills training in a nurturing, campus-like atmosphere n On-site instruction, counseling, recreation, and wellness services n Provides GED, High School Diploma and driver’s education training

Who are the students? n The average Job Corps Student is 18 years old, economically disadvantaged, unemployed or underemployed n Average length of stay: 10 months but maximum length of program can be 2 years depending upon the individual and course of study n On Board Strength – 198 students

Who are the students?

The Exeter Academy n Up until January 1999, RI was 1 of 4 states without a Job Corps Center n $18.6 million construction/rehab. project; reuse of unsafe, derelict property n 200 residential students n Located on 20+ acres of the former Ladd Center in Exeter n ECJA opened November 9, 2004 n Students began arriving at the Academy on January 4, 2005

EJCA’s Vocational Training Selections n Business Technology n Information Systems Technology n Manufacturing Technology n Culinary Arts Technology n Construction Technology n Health Occupations Technology

EJCA Support n In compliance with the Workforce Investment Act (WIA), Job Corps requires the creation of 2 distinct Councils per Job Corps Center n Center Industry Council (CIC) u Industry Steering Committees  Community Relations Council (CRC)  National, State and Local level elected officials

Community Partners n Domestic Violence Center n Local Chamber of Commerce n URI – Multi-Cultural Center n Men2Be Mentoring n Stars Initiative n RI Army National Guard n RI State Police n RIC – Master of Social Worker Program

What Does EJCA Mean for Employers? n Job Corps provides an excellent in- state training and education opportunity for the Emerging Workforce n An excellent resource for new and existing employers to access well trained and motivated young men and women seeking entry-level career opportunities.

What Does EJCA Mean for Workforce Development ? u Graduate Placement 99.07% u Graduate Average Wage $ 9.89 u Six Month Retention % u 12 Month Retention 95.24% u Job Training Match % u 12 Month Follow-up Support u Increased College Enrollment

Questions? Exeter Job Corps Academy