The U.S. Dept. of Labor’s Cassadaga Job Corps Academy provides free room and board, education, military ASVAB test prep, skilled-trade training, GED and high school diploma preparation/completion and a plethora of other -free- programing options, all designed to launch students into the job market as viable and successful candidates. Submitted photo

Traditional school, high school or college isn’t for everyone.

However, locally, there’s a viable and possibly lucrative alternative for some.

The U.S. Department of Labor is the governmental agency responsible for administration and oversight of the U.S. Job Corps. The program provides free education and vocational training for young men and women ages 16 to 24-years old.

Job Corps has been in operation since 1964 and was initially the inaugural program, which was launched during the Johnson administration, and designed to be the “first-shot fired” for President Lyndon Johnson’s declared War on Poverty.

While each Job Corps location may offer different job/technical training — most sites offer classes and education in: budgeting, life skills and social development, GED, driver’s license classes and test preparation, interviewing techniques and practice, resume writing, Test of Adult Basic Education (T.A.B.E.) work-based-learning programs, internship or apprenticeship opportunities, earn while you learn jobs on center locations, job placement services, follow-up or after program support and counseling.

The Cassadaga Job Corps Academy’s first group of students arrived on Aug. 22, 1978, 45 years ago. The center is nestled on a rather large, green, “mountain-ish” plateau and overlooks Cassadaga Lake.

Carl Frantz, the social development director of Cassadaga Job Corps Academy, helps provide a safe living environment for all students, he plans, directs and administers the day-to-day operations of the residential living, recreational and counseling programs. Frantz, by all accounts, has a large department with vast reach to help his Job Corps Academy run smoothly.

“We offer free housing, food and recreational opportunities at our center,” Franz said. “Our recreation department, during the summer months, hosts weekly campfires and run a variety of organized sports leagues throughout the year, along with taking our students on trips to a local roller rink, movie theater and other unique and fun activities. We, also have a weight room, gymnasium with indoor and outdoor basketball courts, a running track, music room and an indoor large-screen movie theater.”

However, becoming a student at the Cassadaga academy isn’t all about fun and games. The core of what is offered is education, training, life skills and character development.

“Our Academy currently offers training in carpentry, electrical, painting, plumbing, certified nursing assistant, advanced training licensed practical nurse and security officer/guard cert,” said Willie Brown, the academy director. “We really focus on the individual student; while trying to integrate some common-core values like social skills, workplace ethics and our A.C.T.I.O.N. principles (Accountability, Communication, Teamwork, Integrity, Ownership and No excuses.)”

Moreover, “inclusion not exclusion” is a primary focal point, and the Academy’s top leader has positioned this educational institution as a viable option for local youth.

“Our academy has a diverse culture with students from all over,” Brown said. “Fifty percent of our population comes from New York City recruiters and the other 50% comes from Erie County, Niagara County, Chautauqua County, Allegany County and Cattaraugus County recruiters. Our Advanced Training LPN program recruits’ applicants from 122 other Job Corps locations across the country. Job Corps is a ‘win-win’ tuition-free program for eligible youth who think they may not graduate or continue in educational pursuits elsewhere.”

Brown also alluded to other -support- programs to help students launch themselves onto pathways for success.

“Not only do we have a G.E.D program, but we also offer an online High School Diploma program, and we have teachers who specialize in the Armed Services Aptitude Battery exam (ASVAB) for those interested in pursuing a military career option. Moreover, we also have a standing agreement with Jamestown Community College for a transition program.,” Brown said. “There’s no need to give up, there are options out there for young people who may need some extra help and an advocate in their corner.”

Under the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, Job Corps learning centers have provided life-altering training to more than 1.9 million Americans. Moreover, around 60,000 youths attend sites, much like the Cassadaga Job Corps Academy, each year.

During a 2012 survey of students who completed a Job Corps skills training program entered the workforce and found viable employment. What the survey highlighted was the effectiveness of the training program, when under-privileged and at-risk youth graduate from Job Corps, they find employment; more than 75% of graduates obtained positive employment within the academic-calendar year, and more than 13.5% of students continued in their educational endeavors at colleges, universities or other trade-schools, and the remaining graduates joined the United States military.

For those who are considering the Cassadaga Job Corps Academy as an option, contact Sue Miller, the academy’s outreach and admissions clerk at 716-595-4272 or visit the Cassadaga Job Corps site at cassadaga.jobcorps.gov/.

For those interested in taking a tour and seeing what it is like to live, eat, learn and socialize at Job Corps, the Cassadaga Job Corps Academy has open-campus tours & information sessions at 10 a.m., every Thursday, or by appointment.