Job Corps education and training centers in Arkansas are accepting students

DALLAS — The U.S. Department of Labor's Job Corps program is accepting applications in Arkansas throughout the autumn and winter months. The program provides free education and training for eligible young people, ages 16 to 24, to help them start a career, earn a high school diploma or equivalent credential and find and keep a good job.

"Job Corps offers our nation's youth the opportunity to learn and expand their skills and begin rewarding careers," said Grace Kilbane, the national director for the Office of Job Corps. "We urge eligible youth to enroll and prepare for today's competitive employment environment."

Job Corps, managed by the department's Employment and Training Administration, provides students with hands-on training in more than 100 career fields, such as construction, business and finance, health care and information technology. The program, which has 125 centers nationwide, provides eligible, low-income students with room and board, counseling and mentoring services, living allowances and basic medical care. Students also can participate in on-the-job training through work-based learning opportunities.

Job Corps centers in Arkansas include Cass Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center in Ozark at 479-667-3686 or at http://cass.jobcorps.gov; Little Rock Job Corps Center in Little Rock at 501-618-2500 or at http://littlerock.jobcorps.gov; and Ouachita Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center in Royal at 501-767-2707 or at http://ouachita.jobcorps.gov.

For more information about the Job Corps program, or to contact a center, call 800-733-JOBS [5627].

Job Corps information is available online at www.recruiting.jobcorps.gov or www.facebook.com/doljobcorps.