On Tuesday, August 30, 2011 U.S. Rep. David Rivera joined local officials, business leaders, Job Corps staff, students and their families to congratulate 73 graduates from Homestead Job Corps Center. The ceremony was part of National Job Corps Commencement Day.  In the Congressman’s Commencement Speech, he challenged the graduates to make America a greater nation and to hold leaders accountable for bringing back fiscal responsibility that will restore confidence in America’s economy.

 “What a great graduation ceremony.  I sat in the back and listened to the enthusiasm of the crowd.  Both Congressman Rivera and graduate Demiree Henderson’s speeches were so inspiring.  Thank you for letting me join in and celebrate” said Carl Gallo, local business owner of StationAmerica and Chairman of Homestead Job Corps Center’s Industry Advisory Council.

 Tuesday’s event marks the first time ever that the majority of the nation’s 124 Job Corps centers have held commencement celebrations on the same day.

 “Of all the events I participate in at Job Corps, graduation is my favorite.  We recognize those students that overcame all of their obstacles and achieved the goals they set for themselves.  That effort now pays off and the world offers more” said Anthony Taylor, Homestead Job Corps Center’s Director.

 Job Corps is a unique national program that provides a safe environment for unemployed, undereducated, low-income youth to prepare for successful careers or further education. Approximately 60,000 students complete the Job Corps program each year at one of 124 centers across the country. Nationally, about 86% of Job Corps graduates go on to find and keep jobs, continue to higher education or enlist in the military.

 Since Job Corps was created 47 years ago, it has served more than 3 million out-of-work young adults and underserved youth nationally. Many are high-school dropouts or public-assistance recipients, and Job Corps helps them become active contributors to their communities.   Homestead Job Corps Center also promotes local job creation and economic support. For every dollar invested in the average Job Corps center, almost $2 is returned to the local economy.