New Hampshire Job Corps Center opens in Manchester, brings program to all 50 states for first time

Federal, state and local leaders, officials attend ribbon-cutting ceremony

WASHINGTON — Fifty-one years ago, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, in which its preamble states: "the United States can achieve its full economic and social potential as a nation only if every individual has the opportunity to contribute to the full extent of his capabilities and to participate in the workings of our society."

U.S. Deputy Secretary of Labor Christopher P. Lu congratulates students at the New Hampshire Job Corps Center in Manchester, the state's first. Job Corps now operates in all 50 states, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico.

The 1964 law established Job Corps, the nation's largest residential training program for disadvantaged youth. Today, President Johnson's vision extends to its 50th and final state with the opening of the New Hampshire Job Corps Center in Manchester. Job Corps centers also operate in Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico.

Deputy Secretary of Labor Christopher P. Lu attended an official ribbon-cutting ceremony today at the New Hampshire center, which welcomed its first students on Sept. 22. Joining him to congratulate the inaugural class on seizing the opportunity to transform their lives were U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte, Gov. Maggie Hassan, U.S. Rep. Ann Kuster, U.S. Rep. Frank Guinta and Mayor Ted Gatsas.

"Job Corps embodies American values at their very best," said Deputy Secretary Lu. "It is animated by the principles of working hard, applying yourself and being willing to learn and adapt. If you do, you can succeed and contribute to your community. The opening of New Hampshire Job Corps center today marks the realization of these principles in every state in our nation. By providing these critical opportunities to New Hampshire's young people, we unlock their tremendous potential to the benefit this community and the entire state."

Serving 300 students at full capacity, New Hampshire Job Corps Center will offer training in advanced manufacturing, electrical, nursing, clinical medical assistant, facilities maintenance, hotel and lodging, culinary arts, and security and protective services. It will also offer community college partnerships in other training areas. Today's event follows the opening earlier this month of the Wind River Job Corps center in Riverton, Wyoming — also that state's first Job Corps center.

Job Corps helps economically disadvantaged youth, between the ages 16 and 24, earn the education and career technical skills to build pathways to career opportunities and to their own personal success. In its five decades, Job Corps has grown to 126 centers, with locations in 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. To date, Job Corps has provided education and training to more than two million young people.