Getting Job Corps students home for the holidays is a chore

With the arrival of the New Year nearly upon us, Job Corps students will soon be returning by the thousands to their MTC-operated centers.  It’s something most of us take for granted – this annual mass movement of students over the holidays.  But for those in charge of the migration, it is no small feat. 

In addition to making travel arrangements, it is equally important to show the students a good time before they leave and promise them recognition and rewards upon their return.  One key to improving On-Board Strength is to get students back from winter break. 

Here’s what some of our centers do:

Brunswick Job Corps Center
“Our departure day is very well organized,” said Brunswick Job Corps Center Deputy Director Brenda Mahan.  “We provide our students with 8-page departure booklets, explaining every step of the process: what to pack, where to place their bag, where to catch the bus…you name it.”

Before leaving, students at this southern Georgia center enjoy a winter dance.  Upon their return, students are invited to select a gift from a large table.  Students draw ‘blind’ as all the gifts are wrapped.  The items are all employability items such as tablets, pens, pencils and selected gift cards.

Clearfield Job Corps Center
Arranging holiday transportation is critical at this northern Utah center.  “We have well over a thousand students leaving our center and about 75 percent of them must fly,” said Admissions Advisor Nick Ferre.  “Our students fly to several California cities, Wyoming, Montana, South Dakota and southern Utah.  Getting all of them to the airport at the right time with the right luggage is no easy trick.”

Clearfield students enjoy an on-center holiday party before they go…and are eligible to win pizza parties and gifts such as IPODs when they return.   

Westover Job Corps Center
Up in western Massachusetts, Westover Job Corps Center students enjoy a formal Winter Prom prior to their holiday departure.  Only a few students fly home, primarily to the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.  The rest ride center-chartered busses to New York and other Northeastern cities.

Westover students are also encouraged to visit three businesses in their trade field during their break.  Those who return to the center with three business cards from these sites earn a $20 bonus.  They are also eligible to earn other prizes if they return from break on time.

(Posted 12/30/07)

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