The Jacksonville Job Corps Center was honored to welcome and hosted Congressman Al Lawson, Mrs. Delores Lawson, Former State Senator Tony Hill, Ms. Margaret Franklin (Legislative Director), Mr. Robert Peters, Ms. Kortney Wesley (District Director), Mr. J. Kight (HR Manager-UPS) and Ms. Erica Mizel (UPS) to the Jacksonville Job Corps Center. The Congressional team toured the center on April 12, 2017. The tour began with a video of the Job Corps program and a visit to the Material Handling, Electrical and Carpentry Trades. The Congressman shared his journey as a teen and the challenges he faced with being focused and committed. He credits a teacher that took him under his wings to get him on the right path. He told the students he always wanted to serve the people in the political arena and has been blessed to do so. He encouraged students to stay focused, listen to their instructors and take advantage of opportunities. The congressman was extremely impressed with the training that the students receive here at the center.

Congressman Lawson spoke extensively with Carpentry Trade Foreman Ms. Nhi Le. She shared the growth and experienced she has gained since becoming a student employee at the Jacksonville Job Corps Center. The congressman was gracious and took several photos with students and staff.

Later in the evening the Center Director and the BCL attended the Congressman’s first Town Hall Meeting at Florida State College of Jacksonville. BCL and Center Director joined the audience of over 200 residents to listen to the congressman’s position on state, federal and foreign positions. The Congressman mentioned Job Corps several times during his presentation referencing his visit earlier in the day. He indicated that programs like Job Corps must prevail in order to assist our youth with education, training and employment.