Twenty-three years ago, Carlos Mendoza, at age 21, had his high school diploma and a car. Plus, he was in college. But college wasn’t quite for him. “I didn’t feel it,” he says. “I didn’t feel it going to college. This is not for me.” One day in the college cafeteria, a young lady caught … Continued

Sandy Salcido goes through security at the MTC-operated Imperial Regional Detention Facility in Calexico, CA. She’s on her way to work at Imperial, where she’s been for three years. She works directly for the facility administrator, Bill DeRevere. “Sandy has been absolutely a blessing to me,” he says. “You know, when I got here, you’re … Continued

Job Corps really works – and we’re not just saying that! Take a look at what Job Corps instructors and employers have to say about the importance of the program.   Beth Schultz – Employer, Bat View Urgent Care “The hands-on [training] here is so important. I think it’s a very worthwhile program, yeah, absolutely, … Continued

“You know, I love my volunteers,” says John Cochran, warden of the Billy Moore Correctional Center in Overton, TX. “You’re talking about community leaders. You’re talking about neighbors. In a lot of instances, you’re talking about ex-offenders.” Recently, the facility held a banquet honoring volunteers who serve at the facility. Carl Thompkins is one of … Continued

Job Corps isn’t just about learning a new technical skill – it’s about personal growth, pursuing dreams, and shaping one’s future. In this video, hear what students have to say about the Job Corps program. “I think it’s a good opportunity if you’re looking to learn a trade where you can put yourself to work … Continued

Students of the Introduction to Criminal Justice class at Panola College in Carthage, TX, visited the Bradshaw State Jail in nearby Henderson to take a tour and learn more about the corrections industry. “For the students, I want them to experience firsthand and to understand the differences between reality and what they see on TV,” … Continued

“I definitely believe in the Job Corps program,” says Nitya LeoGrande, director of outreach admissions and career transition services at the Edison Job Corps Center in New Jersey. “If we support them and encourage them and lead them in the right direction, there are endless opportunities for them. It’s a very rewarding job to see … Continued

“Taking care of people versus taking care of equipment,” says Norberto Cruz, who speaks to his philosophy as a maintenance supervisor for the Texas Civil Commitment Center (TCCC) in Littlefield, TX. “You want to be able to figure out why it happened or what broke and how to fix it,” he says. “But ultimately, your … Continued

Andy Blackwood, chief executive officer of the Kanawha & Putnam Habitat for Humanity, loves to show people around their ReStore location just outside of Charleston, WV. Here they sell donated items to raise money to build Habitat for Humanity homes. Donations are pouring in, but they’re running out of room. So, they’re expanding right next … Continued

It’s too bad you can’t see the faces of the residents here in this dorm of the El Valle Detention Facility as they cheer on one of their own, who just won a prize. The men are excited that their fellow resident earned the award through an innovative coupon reward program. “This a big game … Continued