Job Corps Inducts 2024 Hall of Fame Class at Leadership Summit Event

WASHINGTON (20 August 2024) – On the occasion of Job Corps’ 60th anniversary on August 20, the program honored seven new Hall of Fame inductees.

Tyrone Johnson of the Mississippi Job Corps Center received the Hall of Fame award during a ceremony held last week as part of the Job Corps Leadership Summit, the culmination of a year-long anniversary celebration.

Johnson is the owner of Prosperity Construction and founder of Meridian Art, a nonprofit organization that provides young people with opportunities in the arts, music and film. After graduating from the Mississippi Job Corps Center in 2006, Johnson served in the United States Air Force for 10 years, where he was awarded the Air Force Achievement Medal. He later served as a city councilman for the city of Meridian, Mississippi. Johnson holds a Master of Arts in Business Administration and is currently working on his Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration.

“I am grateful for the skills I learned during my time at the Mississippi Job Corps Center. They gave me a second chance and enabled me to make meaningful contributions to my community and beyond,” said Johnson. “My journey from the Job Corps to where I am today reflects my deep passion for education, service, business and leadership, all of which began with taking advantage of the opportunities provided by the Job Corps.”

The Hall of Fame award recognizes a Job Corps graduate with more than five years of work experience who has achieved exceptional career-related success. Johnson was one of seven honorees recognized 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, DC, 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, graduate and employee 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 successful futures.”

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.

To learn more about Job Corps and its 60th anniversary, visit