The U.S. Department of Labor hosted the third annual Job Corps Leadership Summit last week, bringing together 245 students and staff from more than 120 campuses nationwide. This event marked the culmination of the program’s yearlong 60th anniversary celebration.

“Since its inception, Job Corps’ mission has been, and continues to be, changing lives through good jobs,” said Assistant Secretary of Labor José Javier Rodríguez. “The 60th anniversary is a significant milestone to honor the past and look forward to the next 60 years of creating opportunities and career paths for young adults across the country.”  

During the summit, held in Washington, D.C., from Aug. 13–15, student leaders from the centers met with government officials, developed their leadership skills and toured the nation’s capital.

“For six decades, Job Corps has empowered young people with the skills and education needed for successful careers in high-demand industries,” said Acting National Director for Job Corps Erin McGee. “As we celebrate our 60th anniversary, we honor our past while building a modernized program that continues to meet the needs of our students and the evolving workforce.”  

Established as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s Economic Opportunity Act on Aug. 20, 1964, Job Corps has since expanded to include more than 120 centers, including campuses in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. It is the U.S. Department of Labor’s largest training program, serving more than 50,000 students annually. Since 1964, the program has trained and educated more than 3 million individuals. It currently offers training in more than 100 areas across 10 industries, providing valuable skills and career opportunities to young adults nationwide.

To learn more about Job Corps and its 60th anniversary, visit www.jobcorps.gov/60-anniversary.