Job Corps offers hands-on path to opportunity
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The first time a semi with a yellow “student driver” sign appeared in my rearview mirror, I was on old, narrow Highway 93 – it definitely got my attention. Curious all these years where a student driver can check out an 18-wheeler or a belly-dump truck, I decided to attend the recent open house at Kicking Horse Job Corps Center.
My tour began with homemade cookies from the culinary students, and a firm handshake from Jacob Anderson, my tour guide. We met in the administration building, where several walls display “distinguished service” awards. Anderson, 17, had the bearing of a military recruit. He clearly answered my questions as we enjoyed the complimentary lunch and explored each of the buildings and programs.
KHJC is one of 122 Job Corps in the US. There are three in Montana. The other two are in Anaconda and Trapper Creek near Darby. Job Corps is funded by the US Department of Labor. The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes provide the Kicking Horse property for its campus east of Hwy. 93 on Mollman Pass Road.
Kevin Thomas explained that KHJC currently has more than 70 employees and contributes about $6 million annually to the regional economy.
Job Corps accepts 16 to 24-year-old boys and girls meeting a low-income threshold. Students at KHJC come from Montana, Colorado and other western states. KHJC offers the GED, a high school diploma and college degrees through Salish-Kootenai College. KHJC accommodates up to 200 enrollees, and is currently at about 180.
All programs are self-directed, meaning students advance at their own pace. There is no required length of stay, but the maximum is two years. There is zero tolerance for drugs, alcohol or violence. The daily schedule begins with a 6 a.m. wake-up. The dorms, gym and recreation area are very nice, and students rotate cleaning chores.
We toured culinary, carpentry, business and automotive training areas. Students in each met us and articulately answered questions about placement statistics and expected wages in their chosen trades. Showing me the heavy equipment in the training area, students were clearly proud to be earning their Commercial Driver’s License for the opportunity to drive professionally.
Along with St. Luke’s Wayne Fuchs, I toured the Certified Nursing Assistant, Certified Medical Assistant and the dental classrooms.
I left the campus feeling that this federal program is working. Why? Because it uses the proverbial “teach-a-man-to-fish” philosophy, where local teachers and mentors are offering opportunity to young people. The two dozen students I met were eager to go out into the real world and begin using their knowledge and citizenship. Ninety-one percent of Job Corps graduates advance to careers in the private sector, military or higher education, according to the Department of Labor handout. In 2009, KHJC graduates were second highest in the nation for average wages earned.
Unfortunately, I just learned from KHJC’s Business liaison Shelly Fyant that the Department of Labor is directing KHJC to drop three relevant programs: the popular culinary program, carpentry and facilities maintenance.
Will remote-control federal micromanagement hamper the success of our local Job Corps?
I hope not.
