63 Job Corps Students from the Miami and Homestead centers Volunteered at the Congressional Black Caucus’s Miami Job Fair on August 23.  Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson, who represents Miami Gardens District 17, was the liaison for these local events supporting the increase of real job opportunities in underserved communities through the “For the People” Job’s Initiative (H.Res.348).  On this day, 8,000 job seekers streamed through the James L. Knight Center to apply for nearly 2,000 positions offered by over 100 local and national employers at the fair.  Companies such as Wells Fargo, Walmart, Coca-Cola, Carnival Cruise Lines and the University of Miami were on site, as were major media outlets such as MSNBC, Channel 4 Television and WEDR-FM 99Jamz Radio.  By volunteering  as event greeters, registration agents, ushers, catering assistants and security monitors, Miami and Homestead students gained meaningful job experience, while in turn, supported a landmark event  aimed at reversing the unemployment crisis in South Florida.  “We are so thankful for the wonderful support from the volunteers of Job Corps, and we’re doing everything possible to get this community back to work, “stated Congresswoman Wilson, who formerly was a state legislator, school principal and the founder of the 5000 Role Models for Excellence Project.   The Congresswoman also took time to sign autographs and take pictures with the students. In support of their 40-year history and these jobs initiatives, Miami was one of the 5 major American cities selected for Congressional Black Caucus job outreach events during the month of August, 2011. 

Other cities included Cleveland, Detroit, Atlanta and Los Angeles.  Hats Off to Job Corps centers across the country for engaging their young students in giving back to our local communities and supporting our US Congress!

By: Lori M.Trujillo