Leading to the Path to Self-Sufficiency

From left, Chris Green, Bamberg Job Corps Center; students Taycerria Jackson and Joshua Browder, who shared how the program improved their lives.

"It literally changed my life," is what Joshua Browder said about the Job Corps program.

At Job Corps (www.doleta.gov/job_corps/), a program of the US Department of Labor, participants learn not just academics and life skills, but more importantly they gain confidence in themselves by learning a trade that they are passionate about. Participation in the nation's largest free education and training program helps low-income youth ages 16-24 learn a career, earn a high school diploma or GED, and find employment.

With the goal of facilitating collaboration between public housing authorities in South Carolina and Job Corps, the HUD team, led by Field Office Director Kristine Foye, hosted an Emerging Opportunities Roundtable on May 9, 2019 which also included a training session on Section 3. The Section 3 program requires that recipients of HUD financial assistance provide training, employment, contracting and other economic opportunities to low- and very low-income persons, especially recipients of government assistance for housing; and to businesses that provide economic opportunities to low- and very low-income persons.

At the event in May, public housing officials learned how they can access this valuable resource to help families move from public assistance to self-sufficiency. The audience was captivated when two students told their life story and spoke about how the program helped change their lives.

"Thanks to Job Corps, I will continue to reach for higher levels," said Taycerria Jackson, who is now enrolled in college.

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