Bamberg Job Corps student honored in Washington

Dorian Jones of the Bamberg Job Corps Center received the Rising Star award during a ceremony at the Job Corps Leadership Summit, the culmination of a year-long anniversary celebration.

Jones is a member of the student council at the Bamberg Job Corps Center. After graduation, Jones plans to pursue further training in information technology.

“We are honored that a Bamberg Job Corps Center student has received the Rising Star Award,” said Johnell Gaines, director of the Bamberg Job Corps Center. “Jones is a model of dedication and commitment as he has found his career path here at our center. As he looks to enter our Information Technology Continuing Education program after graduation, we are confident he can build a bright future for himself and make a lasting impression in his community.”

The Rising Star Award honors several Job Corps students who have demonstrated outstanding achievement during their time in the program and established themselves as leaders in their education and community. Jones was one of seven recipients honored during the ceremony, which also included awards for Hall of Fame, Successful Graduate, Employee Motivator of the Year and Rising Star.

At the Leadership Summit, held August 13-15 in Washington, D.C., 245 students and staff from more than 120 universities across the country came together to celebrate the 60th anniversary, meet with government officials, develop their leadership skills and tour the nation's capital.

“Every student, alumnus and staff member shapes the legacy of Job Corps, proves the success of the program and paves the way for future students to succeed for the next six decades,” said Erin McGee, deputy national director of Job Corps.

“All award winners embody the spirit of Job Corps. Our students are motivated to face challenges and work hard to build a successful future.”

This month marks the 60th anniversary of Job Corps, the U.S. Department of Labor's largest apprenticeship program, serving over 50,000 students annually. Since 1964, the program has trained and educated over 3 million people. It currently offers training in over 100 fields across 10 industries, equipping young adults across the country with valuable skills and career opportunities.

Job Corps was created as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson's Economic Opportunity Act and has since grown to over 120 centers, including campuses in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. There is one Job Corps campus in South Carolina: Bamberg.

“Since its inception, Job Corps' mission has always been to change lives through good jobs,” said José Javier Rodríguez, deputy secretary of labor. “The 60th anniversary is an important milestone to honor the past and look forward to the next 60 years of creating opportunities and career pathways for young adults across the country.”

“For six decades, Job Corps has provided young people with the skills and training they need for successful careers in high-demand industries,” said McGee. “As we celebrate our 60th anniversary, we are honoring our past while building a modernized program that will continue to meet the needs of our students and evolving workforce.”

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