Anaconda, MT—Anaconda Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center (JCCCC) is eager to finally open its doors again, reestablishing the invaluable opportunity offered to underserved youth aged 16 to 24. The first group of trainees is set to arrive on Center at the end of July and join their seasoned counterparts as they – alongside the Anaconda JCCCC staff – ramp back up to full capacity, which recently took a near-20% hit.

Six months ago Department of Labor (DOL) suspended enrollment into the Job Corps program at all 125 centers nationwide.  At that time Anaconda JCCCC served 236 students, offering credentials such as a GED, a high school diploma and certifications in one of eight different trade choices.  Additionally, the residential facility runs leadership training that exposes young men and women to civic duty and community responsibility.

“The student culture at Anaconda JCCCC speaks for itself,” says Center Director Ray Ryan. “Over the last few years the student leaders have really developed an atmosphere of success so that the new enrollees understand how to progress in the program, attain completion and, ultimately, graduate with better job options. This Center is run with a tremendous amount of student input.”

Enrollment suspension halted the arrival of newcomers to the training site that sits in full view of the majestic Mount Haggin and is surrounded by its associating Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest.  However, over the six months, Anaconda JCCCC students continued to hold graduation ceremonies on their regular monthly schedule. Some of the largest groups of almost 20 students each advanced into paid employment, higher education or the military.

The last six months was the beginning of a challenging time of budget shortfalls and funding cuts, but Anaconda JCCCC maintained an exemplary performance and placed at the very top among its counterparts. Of the 28 Forest Service Job Corps Civilian Conservation Centers, Anaconda JCCCC ranks second!  Of the 26 Job Corps centers in its DOL Dallas Region, Anaconda JCCCC ranks second!  And of all 125 job corps centers nationwide, Anaconda JCCCC ranks seventeenth.  Those who choose Anaconda JCCCC can expect great things, like earning some of the highest wages offered to Job Corps graduates.

With enrollments back in process now, Anaconda JCCCC looks forward to growing its rolls from the current 131 to its newly-adjusted capacity of 191.

Leadership, paired with the extraordinary work and service opportunities offered to students and staff by a multitude of community organizations and civic groups, keeps Anaconda JCCCC performing and competing at the very top.  Enroll in Job Corps – It Works!

The USDA Forest Service operates 28 Job Corps Civilian Conservation Centers across 18 states. For more information, visit: http://recruiting.jobcorps.gov/en/home.aspx.

The mission of the USDA Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the Nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. The Agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to State and private landowners, and maintains the largest forestry research organization in the world.

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