How Does Job Corps Work for High School Students?

I'm a high school student interested in Job Corps and wondering how it works. Do you get your diploma through it, or is it focused more on job training? I'm curious about what the day-to-day experience is like.

Job Corps is a federally funded program geared toward aiding youth aged 16-24 in both continuing their education and gaining career skills. For high school students, it can be a pathway to acquire a high school diploma or a GED if they have not yet completed high school.

The program provides living quarters, food, healthcare, and other necessities while you're enrolled, so many students live on the Job Corps campuses full-time, although there are also non-residential centers where students commute daily.

A typical day at Job Corps might start with breakfast followed by academic classes. These classes could include instruction and tutoring for high school equivalency exams, English language learning, or other foundational academic skills.

In the afternoons, trainees usually transition to career technical training in a specific field. Programs vary by location but can include healthcare, IT, hospitality, construction, and more. These vocational trainings make up a substantial part of the day-to-day activities and are designed to provide real-world practical skills that help students secure employment post-graduation.

Outside of academics and career training, students have leisure time for extracurricular activities and personal development. Many centers offer recreational facilities, and there are usually events and clubs designed to foster a sense of community among students. Completion of the program, which generally takes between 8 to 24 months, can result in a high school diploma, a GED, and/or certification in a trade skill depending on the individual's progress and plan.

Remember, Job Corps aims to meet you where you're at and support your educational and career goals, so the daily routine and overall experience can look different for each student based on their needs and ambitions.