Job Corps Celebrates High Success Rate at Graduation

Native News Network Staff in Native Briefs. Discussion »

TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA – More than 220 students from Cherokee Nation's Talking Leaves Job Corps started a new journey, graduating in a special ceremony on the Tahlequah campus Friday and now headed for the workforce.

Principal Chief Bill John Baker gives the Commencement Address to this Year's Graduates

“I'm so proud of you for becoming young men and women that can now make a living for yourselves,”

said Principal Chief Bill John Baker, the event’s keynote speaker.

“Anything worth doing is worth doing right, so go forward in this world and excel.”

Job Corps is administered by the US Department of Labor with more than 125 centers nationwide, including one operated locally by the Cherokee Nation.

Each year, Job Corps gives 60,000 at risk youth a second chance to complete their high school diploma or General Equivalency Degree and get specialized career training for a work ready job market. The national office touts the program as the most effective career preparation program for youth ages 16-24.

"More than 70 percent of Talking Leaves Job Corps students graduated this year, up 20 percent from five years ago,"

said Jay Littlejohn, Talking Leaves Job Corps center director.

"The figure shows the Tahlequah site continues to step up its effectiveness and help train more Native American young people,"

he said.

posted August 28, 2012 6:00 am edt