OTTUMWA, IOWA -- Ottumwa Job Corps has made quite the name for itself in the short time the facility has been open, but some may not have the opportunity to attend what some refer to as “a life changing place.”
Job Corp gives young adults between the ages of 16 and 24 a second chance at becoming a productive member of society by giving them the tools and education to succeed in life.
However, effective since January 28, as a cost-saving measure, the Employment and Training Administration (ETA) announced that new student enrollments will be suspended and are projected to end June 30, 2013.
Exceptions will be made for applicants who are homeless, runaways or in the foster care system.
Community leaders want to remind people of the success stories that Job Corps has helped facilitate.
“He graduated form Job Corps in October -- I’m just going to throw out a date -- October 20. October 21 he had a job, a job paying him $22.50 an hour. Those kinds of stories you don't hear a lot about but Job Corps made that possible,” said Greg Kenning, Wapello County Supervisor.
Community members are urged to speak up to congress to help reverse this policy.
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