Hoyer Attends Event to Recognize 50th Anniversary of Job Corps
LAUREL, MD– Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) attended an event today at the Woodland Job Center to celebrate the 50thanniversary of the Job Corps program, which provides young people with education and hands-on job training opportunities.
"Since it was established, Job Corps has served approximately two million young Americans between the ages of sixteen and twenty-four, helping them access education, skills training, and job placement so they can escape economic hardship and begin earning a living through a career," stated Congressman Steny Hoyer. "It is a truly innovative and extraordinary program, and here at the Woodland Job Center it is bringing hope and opportunities to 400 young Marylanders each year. Here they are able to learn in-demand skills and train for careers in a broad range of industries, including construction, hospitality, the culinary arts, and others. While doing so, they can complete their high school degrees, benefit from mentorship, and take courses that teach success skills for independent living."
"Job Corps is a program that has proven its worth time and again over the past half-century, and I am proud to support it in Congress," continued Congressman Hoyer. "Last month, I was proud to be on hand as President Obama signed the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, legislation that was part of the Make It In America jobs plan I am leading, that strengthens the Job Corps program and helps it adapt to twenty-first century challenges. However, Congress ought to do more, and it can start by passing additional legislation under the Make It In America plan to help create more jobs for those who are completing training at Woodland and other centers. I will continue to push for the adoption of these bills so that more of our young people can access middle-class opportunities and make it in America."
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, signed into law by President Obama in July, reauthorized Job Corps and included provisions that will enable centers like Woodland to collect more data on best practices and permit the U.S. Labor Department to provide technical assistance to centers to improve operations and outcomes.
Congressman Hoyer continues to advocate for passage of additional Make It In America, which includes four core areas: adopt and pursue a national manufacturing strategy; promote U.S. exports; encourage the return of jobs and innovation from overseas; and train and secure a 21st century workforce. To learn more about the Make It In America plan, click here.