Job Corps students participate often in community service. And these projects not only help others—they provide students with an opportunity to practice what they learn in their trades.

“It’s an amazing opportunity,” says Business & Community Liaison Bob Campbell. “Students feel good giving back, and they learn so much.”

Students at the Shriver Job Corps Center in Devens, Massachusetts recently made several improvements at the Loaves and Fishes Pantry, a food bank that provides food, clothing, and referral services to more than 500 families a month in six local communities.

Painting student Ashly Bryant feels good giving back to the community, “Helping others give me a good feeling. I learn how to use different equipment and have fun doing it!”

Painting and carpentry students recently replaced and painted the exterior trim, power washed the building, painted the foundation, and repainted the parking-lot lines.

When I go out into the community to do a project,” says student Joshua Higsons, “I feel good about it. I’m helping them, and I’m also learning great skills.”

Executive Director of the food bank Patricia Stern wrote,

“I want to extend my most sincere thanks to you for sending both a painting crew and a carpentry crew to us last week to help with a variety of projects. The students were polite, hard workers, and a pleasure to have around.”