Rewarding employment is fundamental to creating the life you want. For a young person just starting out - the process of creating the kind of employment that will put your life on track can sometimes be overwhelming. To help young residents transition into the workforce, Wheeler Creek Community Development Corporation (WCCDC) and your Community Supportive Services Program (CSSP) have launched an exciting new partnership with Job Corps – specifically the Job Corps Outreach and Admissions Office of Washington D.C., and the Potomac Job Corps Center.

Job Corps is the nation's largest and most comprehensive residential education and job training program for at-risk youth.

Job Corps’ mission is reaching out to unemployed and underemployed young people ages 16-24 that are in need of academic and job training skills. Ms. Jacqui Seay-Khaalid, Project Manager for the D.C. Outreach and Admissions Office, explains the broader goal - “once (these young people) complete the Job Corps they will have a long-term attachment to the work-force.”

Job Corps recruits young adults that are motivated and committed to pursuing an education both academically and for a trade. Training programs include painting, plastering, concrete masonry, carpentry, culinary arts, health occupations training - and more! Ms. Seay-Khaalid explained that “very often this training is a foundation for the youth; in that they can … become life-long learners; or they can go into business for themselves and become entrepreneurs utilizing these skills and training.”

WCCDC and your CSSP new partnership with Job Corps means Job Corps will come to our community with four presentations a year, informing residents about training programs – and inspiring young adults to participate in the program. It will also give residents greater access to Job Corps resources. This partnership helps both Wheeler Creek and Job Corps achieve their missions. Dr. Bessie E. Swann, Executive Director of WCCDC said, “I think this partnership will help us reach the young adult population who are involved in our CSSPs. It gives them access to better jobs, and a higher income level.”

The new partnership will help our community in larger ways as well. “We know that this kind of training prepares not just for jobs,” says Ms. Seay-Khaalid, “It builds a new kind of character, and helps the young people to focus on a brighter future.” For more information on the Job Corps program, call WCCDC at (202) 574-1508.