Rotary Program: 1/19/05

Program Chairperson: Scott Hopkins

Speakers: Lisa Moore, Debbie Burchell and Thomas Raney - Carl D. Perkins Job Corp Center

Lisa Moore began the program with some basic information about the Job Corps Center and the programs they offer in order to give low income students or high school dropouts the skills they need to find meaningful employment and an independent life. She stressed that the center is more than just a job placement center, because they want to help the students find lasting careers instead of just a temporary job. She cited some examples of the career options that are OSHA certified which include masonry, carpentry, facility maintenance, and electricity. Others may be certified through other agencies such as culinary arts, retail sales, health occupations (certified nurse assistants, first aid and CPR) and business technology.

At this point, Lisa introduced Thomas Raney and asked him to comment on what the center is doing to help candidates who want to pursue a career in the military. He stated that the greatest hurdle most of the students face is passing the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery), which is a test that all candidates are required to pass prior to admission to any of the armed forces. In addition to classes that prepare them to take the test, they work on their physical readiness for induction and many recruiters have shown great interest in this program.

Lisa returned to the podium to list some other academic programs that help students get a GED or a high school diploma through the Painstville City School System. When the students come to the center, they immediately undergo a battery of tests in reading and math. If they are deficient in these subjects, they spend as much time as necessary until the skills are at a level that the instructors feel is needed to make the student employable. In addition to these academic areas, the center concentrates on the social skills that employers say are basic to success in the world of work.

Finally, Lisa introduced Debbie Burchell, who is the center director. Debbie said this is the best job she has ever had and loves working with these students at the job corps center. She stressed that she wanted to dispel the rumors that the center is a correctional facility. It is a place where students can find the help they need to gain career skills that will get them out of poverty and into a job, a place to live, and the ability to function independently. The center also provides services such as helping them get housing, money to buy a car, or any other needs they may have for up to two years to ensure that they don’t fall through the cracks. The center has about 300 students, with about 250 of them residing at the center while others drive in to the center each day to attend classes. Debbie says the most frustrating part of the job is getting the students who have dropped out of high school interested in coming to the center to get started in programs that can change their lives. She works with the counselors and principals of all the local public schools to get referrals, but there are many who still don’t take advantage of the great opportunity that is available to them. She is proud of the fact that this center is known nationwide as a leader in job placement with very few who fail to keep their jobs and continue doing well for the rest of their lives. She finished her presentation with a question / answer session and by encouraging all of us to come by the center and see for ourselves what they are doing. Thanks to all for a very informative program. - JMC