About Job Corp
Job Corp is a federally funded program that was established in 1964 and provides educational opportunities to over 60,000 youth nationwide that have barriers to education or are at risk.
There are two types of Job Corp programs. The traditional federal program and the new Idaho Job Corps evolved in 2020.
Eligibility criteria
Eligibility is based primarily on income. However, youths will also be considered if they have a documented disability such as a 504 or individual education plan (IEP). With a 504 or IEP the student is considered a "family of one" which means that the student must have an income of $12,760 or less. Eligibility is not based on the family's income.
Traditional Job Corp (jobcorps.gov)
Traditional programs are residential in nature and are similar to a small community college campus with grounds and facilities such as dormitories, recreation, cafeterias, and more. Programs of study are offered in high-demand fields and typically run for about a year but some have advanced programs that can continue for another year. Students work at their own pace and will earn industry certifications in their chosen fields. Job Corps provides 100% financial and educational support to students that include: academic training, specialized clothing (scrubs or steel toe boots for example), room, board, healthcare, and even childcare if necessary. Many of the centers work in coordination with local community colleges.
The Northwest Region (Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska) has 10 residential centers and offers training in the categories listed below. A detailed list of locations and training programs can be found using this link Updated Trade Sheet 8.2020.pdf
- Automotive & Transportation
- Business & Computer
- Construction & Facilities
- Medical & Health
- Forestry & Environmental
- Culinary
- Protective Services
Idaho Job Corps (Idaho Department of Labor)
Idaho Job Corps programs take place on Idaho community college campuses and students have access to ALL programs of study at a college. The Idaho Department of Labor administers the funding in conjunction with the community college.
Idaho Job Corp is different from the traditional federal Job Corp in that:
- Room and board are not included.
- All of an Idaho community college's one and two-year programs are available to choose from.
- Community college schedules are adhered to rather than being self-paced.
- Students are required to maintain a 2.0 gpa.
The nearest Idaho Job Corp site to us is the North Idaho College (NIC) campus. Good information and application materials are available at the link above.
NOTE: Latah County Commissioners will provide $1,000 per year for books and supplies to Latah County students who attend a community college.
FAQ:
With the traditional Job Corp, students work at their own pace, but since North Idaho College is on a traditional school semester schedule how would I be able to do this? You could take fewer courses per semester if that would work with the program of study. However, some of the programs prefer that you stick to the plan of study to avoid timing issues with courses.
How will I evaluate programs of study that I am interested in? North Idaho College suggests that you start their program in early June and they will assist with job shadowing and career exploration activities so that by the time their fall start rolls around you would feel prepared and ready to make a choice. Fill out the Job Corp application a month before the June date that you want to start.
How do I start? You will need to fill out a Job Corps application that is on the website at least a month prior to when you would want to begin. North Idaho College has monthly Job Corp start dates.
How long can I attend North Idaho College? Job Corps funds programs from 3 to 24 months. You can apply for another year if necessary.
What programs can I study at North Idaho College? All of the college's programs of study are open to Job Corp participants. You can earn certificates or an AA degree.