For six week staff at the Jacksonville Job Corps Center assisted students in registering to vote.  Many students who were not of age in the last election had the opportunity to register to vote in the upcoming Presidential election.

 The center has a capacity of 350 students and while many of these students are registered voters the opportunity to participate and let their voices be heard was an opportunity of a life time for many of our students.  The center provided transportation for those students that wanted to participate in the early voting process.  Many of the students choose to avoid the long lines on Election Day by voting early. However, transportation will be provided for those wanting to vote on Election Day.

 Deanna Eckley and Mark Starr were first time voters and were extremely excited about voting in the election.  Both these students are from other areas in Florida and did not want to miss the opportunity to vote in their first election. 

 The students at the Jacksonville Job Corps Center have a constant presence in the community through their volunteer projects and look forward to continuing to give back to the Jacksonville community.  Students volunteered over 125 man hours to the North Florida Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure activity. This is the second year the center volunteered with Komen during their National Make A Difference Day activities.  The students volunteered for 3 days prior to the race day in order to assist with the race.   In addition to volunteering the students raised funds for the event and participated in the race.  “It was a rewarding experience for me”, said SGA Secretary Ms. Yasenia Zertuche who is at Job Corps working on her Medical Assisting certification.

 Jacksonville Job Corps center trains about 525 students per year.  The young men and women study to become: carpenters, electricians, certified nurse assistants, office administrators, pharmacy, Computer and HVAC technicians and other professionals. The center’s top priority is to teach eligible young people the skills they need to become employable and to help place them into meaningful careers.   It is self evident that Job Corps works…..and it works for our community.