- Recreation
- Job Corps Graduation Benefits Pay and Allowances
- Food Service
- Health Center
- Clothing
- Transportation
Recreation
During your stay at the center, the Recreational Staff will assist and provide you with new and interesting activities. Sports, dances, movies, and recreation trips are just a few of the activities you will want to take part in during your stay on center. We have recreational facilities for your leisure time enjoyment; billiards, ping pong, air hockey, foosball, darts, video games, movie room, weight room, and fitness room.
The purpose of providing you with recreational activities is to contribute to your personal and social development, to allow you to develop new interests and skills that will be valuable throughout your life, to give you the opportunity to experience success and recognition, and to guide you in using and enjoying your leisure time wisely.
Varsity Team
Our varsity teams compete in community tournaments and leagues and with other Job Corps centers. Recreation Specialists serve as coaches for these teams: basketball, baseball, softball, and volleyball.
Intramural Sports
Students may compete against other dorm areas in tennis, volleyball, basketball, softball, physical fitness, track and field events, bingo, bowling, billiards, table tennis, horse shoes, cards and board games, and competitive games.
Cultural/Social Events
A a student, you can participate in activities designed to broaden your social perspective like arts and crafts, choir, dramas and plays, cultural awareness, camping, dancing, cheerleading, on- and off-center activities, and athletic events.
Job Corps Graduation Benefits Pay and Allowances
Arrival Pay
You will receive $25 within the first week you are on center from the Finance Office to cover living expenses until your first paycheck. Taxes on this $25 will be deducted from your first paycheck.
Bi-Weekly Pay
Every two weeks, you will receive a paycheck as a living allowance. The amount is determined by the number of "paid days" you have accrued during your current enrollment period, minus any Absent Without Leave (AWOL) or Unpaid Administrative Leave days. Pay rate changes do not take effect in the middle of a pay cycle, but become effective for the next pay period.
Allotments
Allotments may be initiated if you have dependent children. Job Corps will match your contribution by five (5) times. You may contribute $5 or $10 during your first 57 days and up to $15 after.
Taxes
New students will be required to complete and file the "Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate, W-4" as required by law. Most students will be exempt from withholding taxes if they meet the following three (3) conditions:
- The student is not claimed as a dependent on any other person's W-4.
- The student was not liable for any taxes the preceding year.
- The student does not expect to owe any taxes in the current year.
Students who are not exempt from withholding (do not meet all of the criteria above) will have taxes withheld from their living allowances in accordance with established schedules. A Transition Payment will have taxes withheld at a flat rate of 20%, as allowed by the Employment Tax Regulations. Also, FICA (Social Security taxes) are withheld on student living allowances (bi-weekly paycheck).
A student who is employed after separating from Job Corps must report all income received from Job Corps during that tax year to their new employer. This determines the amount of tax withholding by the new employer on wages earned. In addition to living and transition allowances received during the tax year, certain other items are considered to be taxable income for the calendar year in which they are received, namely: Job Corps clothing allowance, Job Corps transportation expense from home, emergency leave, and the return home at separation.
Food Service
The dining area designed to provide a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere. We try to meet the needs of all students while providing variety and good nutrition in the meals served at Job Corps. Take the opportunity to try something new.
Serving Hours:
Monday - Friday (training days)
- Breakfast: 6:00 AM - 7:30 AM
- Lunch: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
- Dinner: 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Weekends and Holidays
- Brunch: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Dinner: 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Health Center
It is the responsibility of the Wellness Department Staff to provide you with quality health care. This includes medical, dental, mental health, and eye care. We will also assist you in learning to protect and maintain your own health through education and counseling in specific situations.
Open Call Hours:
Monday - Friday (training days)
- 7:00 AM - 7:50 AM
- 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM
- 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Introductory Assessment
Within your first 48 hours on center, you will receive a cursory medical and dental exam to determine if you have any problems which need immediate attention. A physical is required within 14 days; this is mandatory if you are to remain in Job Corps. The physical includes: height, weight, temperature, pulse, blood pressure, vision screening, immunizations updated, lab work, urinalysis, drug and alcohol testing, etc. After results are received, a member of the Holistic Health Center staff will have an individual conference with you to discuss your health.
It is a good habit to monitor your own health, and we encourage this behavior. Failing to keep appointments scheduled in the Holistic Health Department may result in disciplinary action. We ask questions about your past and present health conditions to help us deliver the best possible care. Your care and records are confidential.
If there is a need for referral to a special physician or hospitalization, these appointments will be made by the Holistic Health Center Staff. All costs for these visits will be paid by Job Corps. However, Job Corps will not pay for health care services incurred by a student while on leave or pass unless previously authorized; this includes pre-existing conditions. Non-residential students will be provided with the same access to health care as residential.
We encourage you to utilize the Holistic Health Center during "open call" hours for all your non-emergency needs such as questions, test results, and scheduling appointments.
While you are in the Holistic Health Center area, we ask that you treat everyone with the same respect you would like to receive. You are expected to follow the rules and practice employability skills. In order to access services during school hours; you must obtain a pass from your instructor to be evaluated by an academic or vocational personal for non-emergency conditions. If you are in the Holistic Health Center without a pass or appointment, during hours not specified as "open call", it is likely you will be sent back to class. We are always available for true emergencies.
Sports Physicals
All students interested in sports will need to be medically cleared by a health professional prior to participating.
Dental Services
Upon entry the student will receive an initial inspection of their mouth and teeth with instruction on correct oral hygiene. Our center dentist will provide for each student a complete dental examination between 45- 60 days of arrival on center. Dental treatment such as cleaning or filling will be provided by the dentist or hygienist. Dental treatment is strictly voluntary and will be offered by making an appointment during early morning open call hours. If you make a dental appointment, you must keep it.
Optical Services
Eye care is provided when there is a need. You will be sent to the optometrist only if the screening indicates poor vision or if the glasses you have are not properly correcting your vision. Job Corps will pay for one pair of glasses per student, but not contacts. Replacement of lost eye glasses are at the student's expense.
Counseling Services
Mental Health services are available during the week at specified hours. Appointments can be scheduled through your counselor or the Holistic Health Center staff. We feel it is important to be physically and emotionally healthy to take advantage of the Job Corps program.
TEAP
Trainee Employment Assistance Program (TEAP) is implemented to enforce Job Corps policy of zero tolerance (ZT) for drugs and alcohol. It also promotes a safe and positive learning environment, while correcting detrimental behavior.
The TEAP specialist evaluates students who test positive for drugs, holds classes to educate students on addiction, and provides individual counseling, follow-up and prevention services. All students will be tested for illegal drugs upon entry to the program. If positive on entry, potential graduates will be placed on a 45 day probationary period. Retesting will be collected on the 37th day and must be negative to remain in the program. A second positive drug screen will result in termination from the program for one year. Prior to a second drug screen being obtained, a request for alcohol/drug rehabilitation can be granted. Arrangements can be made through the TEAP specialist. Readmission will require specified documentation.
Suspicious drugs or alcohol testing may be done if a students behavior warrants it. Possession, distribution and use of drugs or paraphernalia, is not tolerated. Possession and use of prescription drugs not authorized by the Holistic Health Center is prohibited.
A tobacco cessation group is also available to those who wish to quite the smoking habit.
Reproductive Health
The Holistic Health Center staff counsels all students on the prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) upon entry and during the course of their stay. Appointments are available to discuss methods of birth control or family planning during the posted open call hours.
Remember, we are all working together to make your stay at Job Corps a healthy and rewarding experience. Please feel free to use the Holistic Health Center staff as a resource.
Clothing
Students at the Gerald R. Ford Job Corps Center are required to wear a trade uniform for their vocational trade and a school uniform for all other activities. All students will be measured and fitted for the school uniform within the first week of enrollment of Job Corps and usually will receive their trade uniform upon entering the trade. The school uniform consists of two polo shirts, one pullover sweater, three pairs of pleated pants, and a belt.
The uniform will be supplemented with replacement garments, where needed after 144 paid days and again after 270 paid days. For the first year of enrollment, clothing issuance must not exceed $317. For the second year of enrollment, $103 is authorized. The student uniform will be substituted with clothing suitable for employment for graduate students who will be separating the Job Corps program and are being placed in a job.
An emergency clothing allotment is authorized for students who do not have enough clothing to maintain a healthy day to day living style. Emergency clothing authorizations are requested through the student's residential advisor, based on their clothing inventory. Emergency clothing issuances are deducted from the standard clothing allotment.
Transportation
Students enrolled at Gerald R. Ford Job Corps will often utilize public transportation (bus, taxi, and airplane) and center-provided (bus, vans, and cars) transportation. It is important to remember that anytime students are on- or off-center, they are official representatives of Gerald R. Ford Job Corps. Respect for yourself and others is of utmost importance. Gerald R. Ford Job Corps students should never exhibit behavior which interferes with rights of others.
