Job Corps Launches Innovative STARS Initiative

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Job Corps Launches Innovative STARS Initiative

Targets Raising Student Retention and Academic Achievement

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor"s Office of Job Corps today announced the launch of an initiative designed to improve students" preparedness for high-demand industries of the 21st century.

The new program called STARS (Speakers, Tutors, Achievement, Retention and Success) will increase Job Corps students' academic achievement, career skills attainment and retention in the program by providing motivational speakers to inspire them, and highly-qualified tutors and mentors to assist them in academics and personal skills.

"The STARS initiative is a major component of Job Corps' Vision for the 21st Century," said Job Corps National Director Esther R. Johnson. "STARS resources will help students strengthen their literacy, numeracy, and personal and social development. STARS will increase student retention in Job Corps, ensure completion of their program of study, and ultimately prepare them for the 21st century workplace."

Motivational speakers will offer students the opportunity to hear and interact with real-life achievers who will provide motivating and inspiring messages about what it takes to succeed and the challenges they will face. Tutors will provide students with academic assistance based on their individual needs. Mentors will provide guidance in career technical areas and offer strategies to enhance personal development and life skills.

Thirteen Job Corps centers across the country have been selected for the STARS pilot phase. The STARS initiative began with a motivational speaker at the Woodland Job Corps Center in Laurel, Md. on Aug. 24, 2006.

Job Corps is the nation's largest and most comprehensive residential education and job training program for at-risk youth, ages 16 through 24. Job Corps combines classroom, practical, and work-based learning experiences to prepare youth for stable, long-term, high-paying jobs.

Job Corps is administered by the Department of Labor's Office of the Secretary. For information on Job Corps, including eligibility requirements and location of the center nearest you, call (800) 733-JOBS.

DOL Web Pages on This Topic
Job Corps Center Locations
There are 122 Job Corps centers located throughout the United States, each offering educational training and a variety of vocational training programs. Visit this page to learn more about centers located near you and what they have to offer.

Job Corps Contracts
Provides information about contracts that are available for providing Job Corps services and how to apply for them.

Laws on This Topic
Public Law 105-220
Workforce Investment Act of 1998

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