Comic book conventions are not a place you would think to look for Job Corps or its students. That changed the weekend of Sept. 21st and 22nd in Portland, Ore, as Springdale Job Corps set up a booth and Springdale students volunteered at the convention. Rose City Comic Con happens each year in September at the Oregon Convention Center, but this is the first year Springdale has been involved.

Many people stopped by the Springdale booth, some former students of centers around the country and several who were interested in Job Corps either for themselves or for someone they knew. Aaron Patterson, an ACT student at Springdale, attended as a student representative and was able to give perspective to potential enrollees on what life is like at Springdale. “I hope the people who were interested follow up,” he said. “It’s a great program; especially if you’re not sure what direction you’re headed.”

Students volunteered as “henchmen”, helping out at the convention where needed. Several students were tasked with checking the badges of attendees, others worked in security or helped out at the photo booths where attendees could have their photos taken with celebrity guests. They all received bright red t-shirts and were able to check out the convention before and after their shifts.

Service Learning allows students to get out in the community and participate in a way that gives back. The volunteer opportunities also provide experience that can be included on their resumes and add to the skills that make them employable.