Young people ages 16 through 24 who meet Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) requirements can enroll in the program at no cost.
A person is eligible for Job Corps if he or she meets the following criteria:
- Is a legal U.S. citizen; a lawfully admitted permanent resident alien, refugee, asylee, or parolee, or other immigrant who has been authorized by the Department of Homeland Security to work in the United States; or a resident of a U.S. territory.
- At least 16 and not more than 24 years of age.
- Meets low-income criteria.
- Meets specific barriers to education and employment.
- Complies with the requirements of the Military Selective Service Act.
- Educational and training needs are best met by the Job Corps program.
- It can be reasonably expected that the applicant can participate successfully in group situations and activities.
- Applicant agrees to comply with the rules.
- Applicant does not have a disqualifying conviction.
- Does not require any face-to-face court or institutional supervision while in Job Corps and if court-imposed restitution or fines in excess of $500 are applicable, must meet further criteria.
- Has a child care plan if he or she is the parent of a dependent child.
- Has signed consent from a parent or guardian if he or she is an unemancipated minor.
Because Job Corps is a voluntary program, students choose to enroll in the program and may exit at any time.
*The maximum age limit may be waived if the applicant is a person with a documented disability.