Part C—Job Corps
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Definition of "Secretary"
In this part, "Secretary" means the Secretary of Labor, see
§3191. Purposes
The purposes of this part are—
(1) to maintain a national Job Corps program, carried out in partnership with States and communities, to—
(A) assist eligible youth to connect to the labor force by providing them with intensive social, academic, career and technical education, and service-learning opportunities, in primarily residential centers, in order for such youth to obtain secondary school diplomas or recognized postsecondary credentials leading to—
(i) successful careers, in in-demand industry sectors or occupations or the Armed Forces, that will result in economic self-sufficiency and opportunities for advancement; or
(ii) enrollment in postsecondary education, including an apprenticeship program; and
(B) support responsible citizenship;
(2) to set forth standards and procedures for selecting individuals as enrollees in the Job Corps;
(3) to authorize the establishment of Job Corps centers in which enrollees will participate in intensive programs of activities described in this part; and
(4) to prescribe various other powers, duties, and responsibilities incident to the operation and continuing development of the Job Corps.
(
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
Section effective on the first day of the first full program year after July 22, 2014 (July 1, 2015), see section 506 of
§3192. Definitions
In this part:
(1) Applicable local board
The term "applicable local board" means a local board—
(A) that provides information for a Job Corps center on local employment opportunities and the job skills needed to obtain the opportunities; and
(B) that serves communities in which the graduates of the Job Corps center seek employment.
(2) Applicable one-stop center
The term "applicable one-stop center" means a one-stop center that provides services, such as referral, assessment, recruitment, and placement, to support the purposes of the Job Corps.
(3) Enrollee
The term "enrollee" means an individual who has voluntarily applied for, been selected for, and enrolled in the Job Corps program, and remains with the program, but has not yet become a graduate.
(4) Former enrollee
The term "former enrollee" means an individual who has voluntarily applied for, been selected for, and enrolled in the Job Corps program, but left the program prior to becoming a graduate.
(5) Graduate
The term "graduate" means an individual who has voluntarily applied for, been selected for, and enrolled in the Job Corps program and who, as a result of participation in the Job Corps program, has received a secondary school diploma or recognized equivalent, or completed the requirements of a career and technical education and training program that prepares individuals for employment leading to economic self-sufficiency or entrance into postsecondary education or training.
(6) Job Corps
The term "Job Corps" means the Job Corps described in
(7) Job Corps center
The term "Job Corps center" means a center described in
(8) Operator
The term "operator" means an entity selected under this part to operate a Job Corps center.
(9) Region
The term "region" means an area defined by the Secretary.
(10) Service provider
The term "service provider" means an entity selected under this part to provide services described in this part to a Job Corps center.
(
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
Section effective on the first day of the first full program year after July 22, 2014 (July 1, 2015), see section 506 of
§3193. Establishment
There shall be within the Department of Labor a "Job Corps".
(
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
Section effective on the first day of the first full program year after July 22, 2014 (July 1, 2015), see section 506 of
§3193a. Transfer of administration of Job Corps program to Employment and Training Administration
The Secretary of Labor shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate a plan for the transfer of the administration of the Job Corps program authorized under title I–C of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 1 from the Office of the Secretary to the Employment and Training Administration. As of the date that is 30 days after the date of submission of such plan, the Secretary may transfer the administration and appropriated funds of the program from the Office of the Secretary and the provisions of
(
Editorial Notes
References in Text
The Workforce Investment Act of 1998, referred to in text, is
Codification
Section was enacted as part of the Department of Labor Appropriations Act, 2010, and also as part of the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010, and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2010, and not as part of title I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act which comprises this subchapter.
Section was formerly classified to
1 See References in Text note below.
§3194. Individuals eligible for the Job Corps
(a) In general
To be eligible to become an enrollee, an individual shall be—
(1) not less than age 16 and not more than age 21 on the date of enrollment, except that—
(A) not more than 20 percent of the individuals enrolled in the Job Corps may be not less than age 22 and not more than age 24 on the date of enrollment; and
(B) either such maximum age limitation may be waived by the Secretary, in accordance with regulations of the Secretary, in the case of an individual with a disability;
(2) a low-income individual; and
(3) an individual who is one or more of the following:
(A) Basic skills deficient.
(B) A school dropout.
(C) A homeless individual (as defined in
(D) A parent.
(E) An individual who requires additional education, career and technical education or training, or workforce preparation skills to be able to obtain and retain employment that leads to economic self-sufficiency.
(F) A victim of a severe form of trafficking in persons (as defined in
(b) Special rule for veterans
Notwithstanding the requirement of subsection (a)(2), a veteran shall be eligible to become an enrollee under subsection (a) if the individual—
(1) meets the requirements of paragraphs (1) and (3) of such subsection; and
(2) does not meet the requirement of subsection (a)(2) because the military income earned by such individual within the 6-month period prior to the individual's application for Job 1 Corps prevents the individual from meeting such requirement.
(
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2015—Subsec. (a)(3)(F).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
Section effective on the first day of the first full program year after July 22, 2014 (July 1, 2015), see section 506 of
Job Corps Flexibilities During Qualifying Emergency
"(a)
"(1) participating on-site at a Job Corps center; or
"(2) returning to on-site participation at a Job Corps center after participating in distance learning.
"(b)
"(1) the individual applies for enrollment by the date that is 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act, and is not older than age 24 on the date of application; and
"(2) the individual attains the age of 25 during the qualifying emergency or the 1-year period immediately following the expiration of the qualifying emergency.
"(c)
1 So in original. Probably should be preceded by "the".
§3195. Recruitment, screening, selection, and assignment of enrollees
(a) Standards and procedures
(1) In general
The Secretary shall prescribe specific standards and procedures for the recruitment, screening, and selection of eligible applicants for the Job Corps, after considering recommendations from Governors of States, local boards, and other interested parties.
(2) Methods
In prescribing standards and procedures under paragraph (1), the Secretary, at a minimum, shall—
(A) prescribe procedures for informing enrollees that drug tests will be administered to the enrollees and the results received within 45 days after the enrollees enroll in the Job Corps;
(B) establish standards for recruitment of Job Corps applicants;
(C) establish standards and procedures for—
(i) determining, for each applicant, whether the educational and career and technical education and training needs of the applicant can best be met through the Job Corps program or an alternative program in the community in which the applicant resides; and
(ii) obtaining from each applicant pertinent data relating to background, needs, and interests for determining eligibility and potential assignment;
(D) where appropriate, take measures to improve the professional capability of the individuals conducting screening of the applicants; and
(E) assure appropriate representation of enrollees from urban areas and from rural areas.
(3) Implementation
The standards and procedures shall be implemented through arrangements with—
(A) applicable one-stop centers;
(B) organizations that have a demonstrated record of effectiveness in serving at-risk youth and placing such youth into employment, including community action agencies, business organizations, or labor organizations; and
(C) child welfare agencies that are responsible for children and youth eligible for benefits and services under
(4) Consultation
The standards and procedures shall provide for necessary consultation with individuals and organizations, including court, probation, parole, law enforcement, education, welfare, and medical authorities and advisers.
(5) Reimbursement
The Secretary is authorized to enter into contracts with and make payments to individuals and organizations for the cost of conducting recruitment, screening, and selection of eligible applicants for the Job Corps, as provided for in this section. The Secretary shall make no payment to any individual or organization solely as compensation for referring the names of applicants for the Job Corps.
(b) Special limitations on selection
(1) In general
No individual shall be selected as an enrollee unless the individual or organization implementing the standards and procedures described in subsection (a) determines that—
(A) there is a reasonable expectation that the individual considered for selection can participate successfully in group situations and activities, and is not likely to engage in behavior that would prevent other enrollees from receiving the benefit of the Job Corps program or be incompatible with the maintenance of sound discipline and satisfactory relationships between the Job Corps center to which the individual might be assigned and communities surrounding the Job Corps center;
(B) the individual manifests a basic understanding of both the rules to which the individual will be subject and of the consequences of failure to observe the rules, and agrees to comply with such rules; and
(C) the individual has passed a background check conducted in accordance with procedures established by the Secretary and with applicable State and local laws.
(2) Individuals on probation, parole, or supervised release
An individual on probation, parole, or supervised release may be selected as an enrollee only if release from the supervision of the probation or parole official involved is satisfactory to the official and the Secretary and does not violate applicable laws (including regulations). No individual shall be denied a position in the Job Corps solely on the basis of individual contact with the criminal justice system except for a disqualifying conviction as specified in paragraph (3).
(3) Individuals convicted of certain crimes
An individual shall not be selected as an enrollee if the individual has been convicted of a felony consisting of murder (as described in
(c) Assignment plan
(1) In general
Every 2 years, the Secretary shall develop and implement a plan for assigning enrollees to Job Corps centers. In developing the plan, the Secretary shall, based on the analysis described in paragraph (2), establish targets, applicable to each Job Corps center, for—
(A) the maximum attainable percentage of enrollees at the Job Corps center that reside in the State in which the center is located; and
(B) the maximum attainable percentage of enrollees at the Job Corps center that reside in the region in which the center is located, and in surrounding regions.
(2) Analysis
In order to develop the plan described in paragraph (1), every 2 years the Secretary, in consultation with operators of Job Corps centers, shall analyze relevant factors relating to each Job Corps center, including—
(A) the size of the population of individuals eligible to participate in Job 1 Corps in the State and region in which the Job Corps center is located, and in surrounding regions;
(B) the relative demand for participation in the Job Corps in the State and region, and in surrounding regions;
(C) the capacity and utilization of the Job Corps center, including the education, training, and supportive services provided through the center; and
(D) the performance of the Job Corps center relating to the expected levels of performance for the indicators described in
(d) Assignment of individual enrollees
(1) In general
After an individual has been selected for the Job Corps in accordance with the standards and procedures of the Secretary under subsection (a), the enrollee shall be assigned to the Job Corps center that offers the type of career and technical education and training selected by the individual and, among the centers that offer such education and training, is closest to the home of the individual. The Secretary may waive this requirement if—
(A) the enrollee would be unduly delayed in participating in the Job Corps program because the closest center is operating at full capacity; or
(B) the parent or guardian of the enrollee requests assignment of the enrollee to another Job Corps center due to circumstances in the community of the enrollee that would impair prospects for successful participation in the Job Corps program.
(2) Enrollees who are younger than 18
An enrollee who is younger than 18 shall not be assigned to a Job Corps center other than the center closest to the home that offers the career and technical education and training desired by the enrollee pursuant to paragraph (1) if the parent or guardian of the enrollee objects to the assignment.
(
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
Section effective on the first day of the first full program year after July 22, 2014 (July 1, 2015), see section 506 of
1 So in original. Probably should be preceded by "the".
§3196. Enrollment
(a) Relationship between enrollment and military obligations
Enrollment in the Job Corps shall not relieve any individual of obligations under the Military Selective Service Act (
(b) Period of enrollment
No individual may be enrolled in the Job Corps for more than 2 years, except—
(1) in a case in which completion of an advanced career training program under
(2) in the case of an individual with a disability who would reasonably be expected to meet the standards for a Job Corps graduate, as defined under
(3) in the case of an individual who participates in national service, as authorized by a Civilian Conservation Center program, who would be granted an enrollment extension in the Job Corps for the amount of time equal to the period of national service; or
(4) as the Secretary may authorize in a special case.
(
Editorial Notes
References in Text
The Military Selective Service Act, referred to in subsec. (a), is act June 24, 1948, ch. 625,
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
Section effective on the first day of the first full program year after July 22, 2014 (July 1, 2015), see section 506 of
§3197. Job Corps centers
(a) Operators and service providers
(1) Eligible entities
(A) Operators
The Secretary shall enter into an agreement with a Federal, State, or local agency, an area career and technical education school, a residential career and technical education school, or a private organization, for the operation of each Job Corps center.
(B) Providers
The Secretary may enter into an agreement with a local entity, or other entity with the necessary capacity, to provide activities described in this part to a Job Corps center.
(2) Selection process
(A) Competitive basis
Except as provided in subsections (a) and (b) of
(B) Recommendations and considerations
(i) Operators
In selecting an entity to operate a Job Corps center, the Secretary shall consider—
(I) the ability of the entity to coordinate the activities carried out through the Job Corps center with activities carried out under the appropriate State plan and local plans;
(II) the ability of the entity to offer career and technical education and training that has been proposed by the workforce council under
(III) the degree to which the entity demonstrates relationships with the surrounding communities, employers, labor organizations, State boards, local boards, applicable one-stop centers, and the State and region in which the center is located;
(IV) the performance of the entity, if any, relating to operating or providing activities described in this part to a Job Corps center, including information regarding the entity in any reports developed by the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Labor and the entity's demonstrated effectiveness in assisting individuals in achieving the primary indicators of performance for eligible youth described in
(V) the ability of the entity to demonstrate a record of successfully assisting at-risk youth to connect to the workforce, including providing them with intensive academics and career and technical education and training.
(ii) Providers
In selecting a service provider for a Job Corps center, the Secretary shall consider the factors described in clause (i).
(3) Additional selection factors
To be eligible to operate a Job Corps center, an entity shall submit to the Secretary, at such time and in such manner as the Secretary may require, information related to additional selection factors, which shall include the following:
(A) A description of the program activities that will be offered at the center and how the academics and career and technical education and training reflect State and local employment opportunities, including opportunities in in-demand industry sectors and occupations recommended by the workforce council under
(B) A description of the counseling, placement, and support activities that will be offered at the center, including a description of the strategies and procedures the entity will use to place graduates into unsubsidized employment or education leading to a recognized postsecondary credential upon completion of the program.
(C) A description of the demonstrated record of effectiveness that the entity has in placing at-risk youth into employment and postsecondary education, including past performance of operating a Job Corps center under this part or subtitle C of title I of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998, and as appropriate, the entity's demonstrated effectiveness in assisting individuals in achieving the indicators of performance for eligible youth described in
(D) A description of the relationships that the entity has developed with State boards, local boards, applicable one-stop centers, employers, labor organizations, State and local educational agencies, and the surrounding communities in which the center is located, in an effort to promote a comprehensive statewide workforce development system.
(E) A description of the entity's ability to coordinate the activities carried out through the Job Corps center with activities carried out under the appropriate State plan and local plans.
(F) A description of the strong fiscal controls the entity has in place to ensure proper accounting of Federal funds, and a description of how the entity will meet the requirements of
(G) A description of the steps to be taken to control costs in accordance with
(H) A detailed budget of the activities that will be supported using funds under this part and non-Federal resources.
(I) An assurance the entity is licensed to operate in the State in which the center is located.
(J) An assurance the entity will comply with basic health and safety codes, which shall include the disciplinary measures described in
(K) Any other information on additional selection factors that the Secretary may require.
(b) High-performing centers
(1) In general
If an entity meets the requirements described in paragraph (2) as applied to a particular Job Corps center, such entity shall be allowed to compete in any competitive selection process carried out for an award to operate such center.
(2) High performance
An entity shall be considered to be an operator of a high-performing center if the Job Corps center operated by the entity—
(A) is ranked among the top 20 percent of Job Corps centers for the most recent preceding program year; and
(B) meets the expected levels of performance established under
(i) for the period of the most recent preceding 3 program years for which information is available at the time the determination is made, achieved an average of 100 percent, or higher, of the expected level of performance established under
(ii) for the most recent preceding program year for which information is available at the time the determination is made, achieved 100 percent, or higher, of the expected level of performance established under such section for the indicator.
(3) Transition
If any of the program years described in paragraph (2)(B) precedes the implementation of the establishment of expected levels of performance under
(A) meets the requirements of paragraph (2)(B) with respect to such preceding program years using the performance of the Job Corps center regarding the national goals or targets established by the Office of the Job Corps under the previous performance accountability system for—
(i) the 6-month follow-up placement rate of graduates in employment, the military, education, or training;
(ii) the 12–month follow-up placement rate of graduates in employment, the military, education, or training;
(iii) the 6-month follow-up average weekly earnings of graduates;
(iv) the rate of attainment of secondary school diplomas or their recognized equivalent;
(v) the rate of attainment of completion certificates for career and technical training;
(vi) average literacy gains; and
(vii) average numeracy gains; or
(B) is ranked among the top 5 percent of Job Corps centers for the most recent preceding program year.
(c) Character and activities
Job Corps centers may be residential or nonresidential in character, and shall be designed and operated so as to provide enrollees, in a well-supervised setting, with access to activities described in this part. In any year, no more than 20 percent of the individuals enrolled in the Job Corps may be nonresidential participants in the Job Corps.
(d) Civilian Conservation Centers
(1) In general
The Job Corps centers may include Civilian Conservation Centers, operated under an agreement between the Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of Agriculture, that are located primarily in rural areas. Such centers shall provide, in addition to academics, career and technical education and training, and workforce preparation skills training, programs of work experience to conserve, develop, or manage public natural resources or public recreational areas or to develop community projects in the public interest.
(2) Assistance during disasters
Enrollees in Civilian Conservation Centers may provide assistance in addressing national, State, and local disasters, consistent with current child labor laws (including regulations). The Secretary of Agriculture shall ensure that with respect to the provision of such assistance the enrollees are properly trained, equipped, supervised, and dispatched consistent with standards for the conservation and rehabilitation of wildlife established under the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (
(3) National liaison
The Secretary of Agriculture shall designate a Job Corps National Liaison to support the agreement under this section between the Departments of Labor and Agriculture.
(e) Indian tribes
(1) General authority
The Secretary may enter into agreements with Indian tribes to operate Job Corps centers for Indians.
(2) Definitions
In this subsection, the terms "Indian" and "Indian tribe" have the meanings given such terms in subsections (d) and (e), respectively, of
(f) Length of agreement
The agreement described in subsection (a)(1)(A) shall be for not more than a 2-year period. The Secretary may exercise any contractual option to renew the agreement in 1-year increments for not more than 3 additional years, consistent with the requirements of subsection (g).
(g) Renewal conditions
(1) In general
Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary shall not renew the terms of an agreement for any 1-year additional period described in subsection (f) for an entity to operate a particular Job Corps center if, for both of the 2 most recent preceding program years for which information is available at the time the determination is made, or if a second program year is not available, the preceding year for which information is available, such center—
(A) has been ranked in the lowest 10 percent of Job Corps centers; and
(B) failed to achieve an average of 50 percent or higher of the expected level of performance under
(2) Exception
Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the Secretary may exercise an option to renew the agreement for no more than 2 additional years if the Secretary determines such renewal would be in the best interest of the Job Corps program, taking into account factors including—
(A) significant improvements in program performance in carrying out a performance improvement plan under
(B) that the performance is due to circumstances beyond the control of the entity, such as an emergency or disaster, as defined in
(C) a significant disruption in the operations of the center, including in the ability to continue to provide services to students, or significant increase in the cost of such operations; or
(D) a significant disruption in the procurement process with respect to carrying out a competition for the selection of a center operator.
(3) Detailed explanation
If the Secretary exercises an option under paragraph (2), the Secretary shall provide, to the Committee on Education and the Workforce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate, a detailed explanation of the rationale for exercising such option.
(4) Additional considerations
The Secretary shall only renew the agreement of an entity to operate a Job Corps center if the entity—
(A) has a satisfactory record of integrity and business ethics;
(B) has adequate financial resources to perform the agreement;
(C) has the necessary organization, experience, accounting and operational controls, and technical skills; and
(D) is otherwise qualified and eligible under applicable laws and regulations, including that the contractor is not under suspension or debarred from eligibility for Federal contracts.
(
Editorial Notes
References in Text
The Workforce Investment Act of 1998, referred to in subsec. (a)(3)(C), is
The Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, referred to in subsec. (d)(2), is act Mar. 10, 1934, ch. 55,
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
Section effective on the first day of the first full program year after July 22, 2014 (July 1, 2015), see section 506 of
§3198. Program activities
(a) Activities provided by Job Corps centers
(1) In general
Each Job Corps center shall provide enrollees with an intensive, well organized, and fully supervised program of education, including English language acquisition programs, career and technical education and training, work experience, work-based learning, recreational activities, physical rehabilitation and development, driver's education, and counseling, which may include information about financial literacy. Each Job Corps center shall provide enrollees assigned to the center with access to career services described in clauses (i) through (xi) of
(2) Relationship to opportunities
The activities provided under this subsection shall be targeted to helping enrollees, on completion of their enrollment—
(A) secure and maintain meaningful unsubsidized employment;
(B) enroll in and complete secondary education or postsecondary education or training programs, including other suitable career and technical education and training, and apprenticeship programs; or
(C) satisfy Armed Forces requirements.
(3) Link to employment opportunities
The career and technical education and training provided shall be linked to employment opportunities in in-demand industry sectors and occupations in the State or local area in which the Job Corps center is located and, to the extent practicable, in the State or local area in which the enrollee intends to seek employment after graduation.
(b) Academic and career and technical education and training
The Secretary may arrange for career and technical education and training of enrollees through local public or private educational agencies, career and technical educational institutions, technical institutes, or national service providers, whenever such entities provide education and training substantially equivalent in cost and quality to that which the Secretary could provide through other means.
(c) Advanced career training programs
(1) In general
The Secretary may arrange for programs of advanced career training for selected enrollees in which the enrollees may continue to participate for a period of not to exceed 1 year in addition to the period of participation to which the enrollees would otherwise be limited. The advanced career training may be provided through the eligible providers of training services identified under
(2) Benefits
During the period of participation in an advanced career training program, an enrollee shall be eligible for full Job Corps benefits, or a monthly stipend equal to the average value of the residential support, food, allowances, and other benefits provided to enrollees assigned to residential Job Corps centers.
(3) Demonstration
The Secretary shall develop standards by which any operator seeking to enroll additional enrollees in an advanced career training program shall demonstrate, before the operator may carry out such additional enrollment, that—
(A) participants in such program have achieved a satisfactory rate of completion and placement in training-related jobs; and
(B) for the most recently preceding 2 program years, such operator has, on average, met or exceeded the expected levels of performance under
(d) Graduate services
In order to promote the retention of graduates in employment or postsecondary education, the Secretary shall arrange for the provision of job placement and support services to graduates for up to 12 months after the date of graduation. Multiple resources, including one-stop partners, may support the provision of these services, including services from the State vocational rehabilitation agency, to supplement job placement and job development efforts for Job Corps graduates who are individuals with disabilities.
(e) Child care
The Secretary shall, to the extent practicable, provide child care at or near Job Corps centers, for individuals who require child care for their children in order to participate in the Job Corps.
(
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
Section effective on the first day of the first full program year after July 22, 2014 (July 1, 2015), see section 506 of
§3199. Counseling and job placement
(a) Assessment and counseling
The Secretary shall arrange for assessment and counseling for each enrollee at regular intervals to measure progress in the academic and career and technical education and training programs carried out through the Job Corps.
(b) Placement
The Secretary shall arrange for assessment and counseling for enrollees prior to their scheduled graduations to determine their capabilities and, based on their capabilities, shall place the enrollees in employment leading to economic self-sufficiency for which the enrollees are trained or assist the enrollees in participating in further activities described in this part. In arranging for the placement of graduates in jobs, the Secretary shall utilize the one-stop delivery system to the maximum extent practicable.
(c) Status and progress
The Secretary shall determine the status and progress of enrollees scheduled for graduation and make every effort to assure that their needs for further activities described in this part are met.
(d) Services to former enrollees
The Secretary may provide such services as the Secretary determines to be appropriate under this part to former enrollees.
(
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
Section effective on the first day of the first full program year after July 22, 2014 (July 1, 2015), see section 506 of
§3200. Support
(a) Personal allowances
The Secretary may provide enrollees assigned to Job Corps centers with such personal allowances as the Secretary may determine to be necessary or appropriate to meet the needs of the enrollees.
(b) Transition allowances
The Secretary shall arrange for a transition allowance to be paid to graduates. The transition allowance shall be incentive-based to reflect a graduate's completion of academic, career and technical education or training, and attainment of recognized postsecondary credentials.
(c) Transition support
The Secretary may arrange for the provision of 3 months of employment services for former enrollees.
(
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
Section effective on the first day of the first full program year after July 22, 2014 (July 1, 2015), see section 506 of
§3201. Operations
(a) Operating plan
The provisions of the contract between the Secretary and an entity selected to operate a Job Corps center shall, at a minimum, serve as an operating plan for the Job Corps center.
(b) Additional information
The Secretary may require the operator, in order to remain eligible to operate the Job Corps center, to submit such additional information as the Secretary may require, which shall be considered part of the operating plan.
(c) Availability
The Secretary shall make the operating plan described in subsections (a) and (b), excluding any proprietary information, available to the public.
(
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
Section effective on the first day of the first full program year after July 22, 2014 (July 1, 2015), see section 506 of
§3202. Standards of conduct
(a) Provision and enforcement
The Secretary shall provide, and directors of Job Corps centers shall stringently enforce, standards of conduct within the centers. Such standards of conduct shall include provisions forbidding the actions described in subsection (b)(2)(A).
(b) Disciplinary measures
(1) In general
To promote the proper behavioral standards in the Job Corps, the directors of Job Corps centers shall have the authority to take appropriate disciplinary measures against enrollees if such a director determines that an enrollee has committed a violation of the standards of conduct. The director shall dismiss the enrollee from the Job Corps if the director determines that the retention of the enrollee in the Job Corps will jeopardize the enforcement of such standards, threaten the safety of staff, students, or the local community, or diminish the opportunities of other enrollees.
(2) Zero tolerance policy and drug testing
(A) Guidelines
The Secretary shall adopt guidelines establishing a zero tolerance policy for an act of violence, for use, sale, or possession of a controlled substance, for abuse of alcohol, or for other illegal or disruptive activity.
(B) Drug testing
The Secretary shall require drug testing of all enrollees for controlled substances in accordance with procedures prescribed by the Secretary under
(C) Definitions
In this paragraph:
(i) Controlled substance
The term "controlled substance" has the meaning given the term in
(ii) Zero tolerance policy
The term "zero tolerance policy" means a policy under which an enrollee shall be automatically dismissed from the Job Corps after a determination by the director that the enrollee has carried out an action described in subparagraph (A).
(c) Appeal
A disciplinary measure taken by a director under this section shall be subject to expeditious appeal in accordance with procedures established by the Secretary.
(
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
Section effective on the first day of the first full program year after July 22, 2014 (July 1, 2015), see section 506 of
§3203. Community participation
(a) Business and community participation
The director of each Job Corps center shall ensure the establishment and development of the mutually beneficial business and community relationships and networks described in subsection (b), including the use of local boards, in order to enhance the effectiveness of such centers.
(b) Networks
The activities carried out by each Job Corps center under this section shall include—
(1) establishing and developing relationships and networks with—
(A) local and distant employers, to the extent practicable, in coordination with entities carrying out other Federal and non-Federal programs that conduct similar outreach to employers;
(B) applicable one-stop centers and applicable local boards, for the purpose of providing—
(i) information to, and referral of, potential enrollees; and
(ii) job opportunities for Job Corps graduates; and
(C)(i) entities carrying out relevant apprenticeship programs and youth programs;
(ii) labor-management organizations and local labor organizations;
(iii) employers and contractors that support national training contractor programs; and
(iv) community-based organizations, non-profit organizations, and intermediaries providing workforce development-related services; and
(2) establishing and developing relationships with members of the community in which the Job Corps center is located, informing members of the community about the projects of the Job Corps center and changes in the rules, procedures, or activities of the center that may affect the community, and planning events of mutual interest to the community and the Job Corps center.
(c) New centers
The director of a Job Corps center that is not yet operating shall ensure the establishment and development of the relationships and networks described in subsection (b) at least 3 months prior to the date on which the center accepts the first enrollee at the center.
(
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
Section effective on the first day of the first full program year after July 22, 2014 (July 1, 2015), see section 506 of
§3204. Workforce councils
(a) In general
Each Job Corps center shall have a workforce council, appointed by the director of the center, in accordance with procedures established by the Secretary.
(b) Workforce council composition
(1) In general
A workforce council shall be comprised of—
(A) a majority of members who shall be owners of business concerns, chief executives or chief operating officers of nongovernmental employers, or other private sector employers, who—
(i) have substantial management, hiring, or policy responsibility; and
(ii) represent businesses with employment opportunities that reflect the employment opportunities of the applicable local areas in which enrollees will be seeking employment;
(B) representatives of labor organizations (where present) and representatives of employees; and
(C) enrollees and graduates of the Job Corps.
(2) Local board
The workforce council may include members of the applicable local boards who meet the requirements described in paragraph (1).
(3) Employers outside of local area
The workforce council for a Job Corps center may include, or otherwise provide for consultation with, employers from outside the local area who are likely to hire a significant number of enrollees from the Job Corps center.
(4) Special rule for single State local areas
In the case of a single State local area designated under
(c) Responsibilities
The responsibilities of the workforce council shall be—
(1) to work closely with all applicable local boards in order to determine, and recommend to the Secretary, appropriate career and technical education and training for the center;
(2) to review all the relevant labor market information, including related information in the State plan or the local plan, to—
(A) recommend the in-demand industry sectors or occupations in the area in which the Job Corps center operates;
(B) determine the employment opportunities in the local areas in which the enrollees intend to seek employment after graduation;
(C) determine the skills and education that are necessary to obtain the employment opportunities; and
(D) recommend to the Secretary the type of career and technical education and training that should be implemented at the center to enable the enrollees to obtain the employment opportunities; and
(3) to meet at least once every 6 months to reevaluate the labor market information, and other relevant information, to determine, and recommend to the Secretary, any necessary changes in the career and technical education and training provided at the center.
(d) New centers
The workforce council for a Job Corps center that is not yet operating shall carry out the responsibilities described in subsection (c) at least 3 months prior to the date on which the center accepts the first enrollee at the center.
(
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
Section effective on the first day of the first full program year after July 22, 2014 (July 1, 2015), see section 506 of
§3205. Advisory committees
The Secretary may establish and use advisory committees in connection with the operation of the Job Corps program, and the operation of Job Corps centers, whenever the Secretary determines that the availability of outside advice and counsel on a regular basis would be of substantial benefit in identifying and overcoming problems, in planning program or center development, or in strengthening relationships between the Job Corps and agencies, institutions, or groups engaged in related activities.
(
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
Section effective on the first day of the first full program year after July 22, 2014 (July 1, 2015), see section 506 of
§3206. Experimental projects and technical assistance
(a) Projects
The Secretary may carry out experimental, research, or demonstration projects relating to carrying out the Job Corps program. The Secretary may waive any provisions of this part that the Secretary finds would prevent the Secretary from carrying out the projects if the Secretary informs the Committee on Education and the Workforce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate, in writing, not less than 90 days in advance of issuing such waiver.
(b) Technical assistance
From the funds provided under
(1) assisting Job Corps centers and programs—
(A) in correcting deficiencies under, and violations of, this part;
(B) in meeting or exceeding the expected levels of performance under
(C) in the development of sound management practices, including financial management procedures; and
(2) assisting entities, including entities not currently operating a Job Corps center, in developing the additional selection factors information described in
(
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
Section effective on the first day of the first full program year after July 22, 2014 (July 1, 2015), see section 506 of
§3207. Application of provisions of Federal law
(a) Enrollees not considered to be Federal employees
(1) In general
Except as otherwise provided in this subsection and in
(2) Provisions relating to taxes and social security benefits
For purposes of title 26 and title II of the Social Security Act (
(3) Provisions relating to compensation to Federal employees for work injuries
For purposes of subchapter I of
(4) Federal tort claims provisions
For purposes of the Federal tort claims provisions in title 28, enrollees shall be considered to be employees of the Government.
(b) Adjustments and settlements
Whenever the Secretary finds a claim for damages to a person or property resulting from the operation of the Job Corps to be a proper charge against the United States, and the claim is not cognizable under
(c) Personnel of the uniformed services
Personnel of the uniformed services who are detailed or assigned to duty in the performance of agreements made by the Secretary for the support of the Job Corps shall not be counted in computing strength under any law limiting the strength of such services or in computing the percentage authorized by law for any grade in such services.
(
Editorial Notes
References in Text
The Social Security Act, referred to in subsec. (a)(2), is act Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531,
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
Section effective on the first day of the first full program year after July 22, 2014 (July 1, 2015), see section 506 of
§3208. Special provisions
(a) Enrollment
The Secretary shall ensure that women and men have an equal opportunity to participate in the Job Corps program, consistent with
(b) Studies, evaluations, proposals, and data
The Secretary shall assure that all studies, evaluations, proposals, and data produced or developed with Federal funds in the course of carrying out the Job Corps program shall become the property of the United States.
(c) Transfer of property
(1) In general
Notwithstanding
(2) Property
The property described in this paragraph is real and personal property under the control of the Department of Defense that is not used by such Department, including property that the Secretary of Defense determines is in excess of current and projected requirements of such Department.
(d) Gross receipts
Transactions conducted by a private for-profit or nonprofit entity that is an operator or service provider for a Job Corps center shall not be considered to be generating gross receipts. Such an operator or service provider shall not be liable, directly or indirectly, to any State or subdivision of a State (nor to any person acting on behalf of such a State or subdivision) for any gross receipts taxes, business privilege taxes measured by gross receipts, or any similar taxes imposed on, or measured by, gross receipts in connection with any payments made to or by such entity for operating or providing services to a Job Corps center. Such an operator or service provider shall not be liable to any State or subdivision of a State to collect or pay any sales, excise, use, or similar tax imposed on the sale to or use by such operator or service provider of any property, service, or other item in connection with the operation of or provision of services to a Job Corps center.
(e) Management fee
The Secretary shall provide each operator and (in an appropriate case, as determined by the Secretary) service provider with an equitable and negotiated management fee of not less than 1 percent of the amount of the funding provided under the appropriate agreement specified in
(f) Donations
The Secretary may accept on behalf of the Job Corps or individual Job Corps centers charitable donations of cash or other assistance, including equipment and materials, if such donations are available for appropriate use for the purposes set forth in this part.
(g) Sale of property
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, if the Administrator of General Services sells a Job Corps center facility, the Administrator shall transfer the proceeds from the sale to the Secretary, who shall use the proceeds to carry out the Job Corps program.
(
Editorial Notes
References in Text
This Act, referred to in subsec. (c)(1), is
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
Section effective on the first day of the first full program year after July 22, 2014 (July 1, 2015), see section 506 of
§3209. Management information
(a) Financial management information system
(1) In general
The Secretary shall establish procedures to ensure that each operator, and each service provider, maintains a financial management information system that will provide—
(A) accurate, complete, and current disclosures of the costs of Job Corps operations; and
(B) sufficient data for the effective evaluation of activities carried out through the Job Corps program.
(2) Accounts
Each operator and service provider shall maintain funds received under this part in accounts in a manner that ensures timely and accurate reporting as required by the Secretary.
(3) Fiscal responsibility
Operators shall remain fiscally responsible and control costs, regardless of whether the funds made available for Job Corps centers are incrementally increased or decreased between fiscal years.
(b) Audit
(1) Access
The Secretary, the Inspector General of the Department of Labor, the Comptroller General of the United States, and any of their duly authorized representatives, shall have access to any books, documents, papers, and records of the operators and service providers described in subsection (a) that are pertinent to the Job Corps program, for purposes of conducting surveys, audits, and evaluations of the operators and service providers.
(2) Surveys, audits, and evaluations
The Secretary shall survey, audit, or evaluate, or arrange for the survey, audit, or evaluation of, the operators and service providers, using Federal auditors or independent public accountants. The Secretary shall conduct such surveys, audits, or evaluations not less often than once every 3 years.
(c) Information on indicators of performance
(1) Levels of performance and indicators
The Secretary shall annually establish expected levels of performance for a Job Corps center and the Job Corps program relating to each of the primary indicators of performance for eligible youth described in
(2) Performance of recruiters
The Secretary shall also establish performance indicators, and expected levels of performance on the performance indicators, for recruitment service providers serving the Job Corps program. The performance indicators shall relate to—
(A) the number of enrollees recruited, compared to the established goals for such recruitment, and the number of enrollees who remain committed to the program for 90 days after enrollment; and
(B) the measurements described in subparagraphs (I), (L), and (M) of subsection (d)(1).
(3) Performance of career transition service providers
The Secretary shall also establish performance indicators, and expected performance levels on the performance indicators, for career transition service providers serving the Job Corps program. The performance indicators shall relate to—
(A) the primary indicators of performance for eligible youth described in
(B) the measurements described in subparagraphs (D), (E), (H), (J), and (K) of subsection (d)(1).
(4) Report
The Secretary shall collect, and annually submit to the Committee on Education and the Workforce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate, a report including—
(A) information on the performance of each Job Corps center, and the Job Corps program, based on the performance indicators described in paragraph (1), as compared to the expected level of performance established under such paragraph for each performance indicator; and
(B) information on the performance of the service providers described in paragraphs (2) and (3) on the performance indicators established under such paragraphs, as compared to the expected level of performance established for each performance indicator.
(d) Additional information
(1) In general
The Secretary shall also collect, and submit in the report described in subsection (c)(4), information on the performance of each Job Corps center, and the Job Corps program, regarding—
(A) the number of enrollees served;
(B) demographic information on the enrollees served, including age, race, gender, and education and income level;
(C) the number of graduates of a Job Corps center;
(D) the number of graduates who entered the Armed Forces;
(E) the number of graduates who entered apprenticeship programs;
(F) the number of graduates who received a regular secondary school diploma;
(G) the number of graduates who received a State recognized equivalent of a secondary school diploma;
(H) the number of graduates who entered unsubsidized employment related to the career and technical education and training received through the Job Corps program and the number who entered unsubsidized employment not related to the education and training received;
(I) the percentage and number of former enrollees, including the number dismissed under the zero tolerance policy described in
(J) the percentage and number of graduates who enter postsecondary education;
(K) the average wage of graduates who enter unsubsidized employment—
(i) on the first day of such employment; and
(ii) on the day that is 6 months after such first day;
(L) the percentages of enrollees described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of
(M) the cost per enrollee, which is calculated by comparing the number of enrollees at the center in a program year to the total budget for such center in the same program year;
(N) the cost per graduate, which is calculated by comparing the number of graduates of the center in a program year compared to the total budget for such center in the same program year; and
(O) any additional information required by the Secretary.
(2) Rules for reporting of data
The disaggregation of data under this subsection shall not be required when the number of individuals in a category is insufficient to yield statistically reliable information or when the results would reveal personally identifiable information about an individual.
(e) Methods
The Secretary shall collect the information described in subsections (c) and (d), using methods described in
(f) Performance assessments and improvements
(1) Assessments
The Secretary shall conduct an annual assessment of the performance of each Job Corps center. Based on the assessment, the Secretary shall take measures to continuously improve the performance of the Job Corps program.
(2) Performance improvement
With respect to a Job Corps center that fails to meet the expected levels of performance relating to the primary indicators of performance specified in subsection (c)(1), the Secretary shall develop and implement a performance improvement plan. Such a plan shall require action to be taken during a 1-year period, including—
(A) providing technical assistance to the center;
(B) changing the career and technical education and training offered at the center;
(C) changing the management staff of the center;
(D) replacing the operator of the center;
(E) reducing the capacity of the center;
(F) relocating the center; or
(G) closing the center.
(3) Additional performance improvement
In addition to the performance improvement plans required under paragraph (2), the Secretary may develop and implement additional performance improvement plans. Such a plan shall require improvements, including the actions described in such paragraph, for a Job Corps center that fails to meet criteria established by the Secretary other than the expected levels of performance described in such paragraph.
(4) Civilian Conservation Centers
With respect to a Civilian Conservation Center that fails to meet the expected levels of performance relating to the primary indicators of performance specified in subsection (c)(1) or fails to improve performance as described in paragraph (2) after 3 program years, the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture, shall select an entity to operate the Civilian Conservation Center on a competitive basis, in accordance with the requirements of
(g) Participant health and safety
(1) Center
The Secretary shall ensure that a review by an appropriate Federal, State, or local entity of the physical condition and health-related activities of each Job Corps center occurs annually.
(2) Work-based learning locations
The Secretary shall require that an entity that has entered into a contract to provide work-based learning activities for any Job Corps enrollee under this part shall comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (
(h) Buildings and facilities
The Secretary shall collect, and submit in the report described in subsection (c)(4), information regarding the state of Job Corps buildings and facilities. Such report shall include—
(1) a review of requested construction, rehabilitation, and acquisition projects, by each Job Corps center; and
(2) a review of new facilities under construction.
(i) National and community service
The Secretary shall include in the report described in subsection (c)(4) available information regarding the national and community service activities of enrollees, particularly those enrollees at Civilian Conservation Centers.
(j) Closure of Job Corps center
Prior to the closure of any Job Corps center, the Secretary shall ensure—
(1) that the proposed decision to close the center is announced in advance to the general public through publication in the Federal Register or other appropriate means;
(2) the establishment of a reasonable comment period, not to exceed 30 days, for interested individuals to submit written comments to the Secretary; and
(3) that the Member of Congress who represents the district in which such center is located is notified within a reasonable period of time in advance of any final decision to close the center.
(
Editorial Notes
References in Text
The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, referred to in subsec. (g)(2), is
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
Section effective on the first day of the first full program year after July 22, 2014 (July 1, 2015), see section 506 of
§3210. General provisions
The Secretary is authorized to—
(1) disseminate, with regard to the provisions of
(2) subject to
(3) expend funds made available for purposes of this part—
(A) for printing and binding, in accordance with applicable law (including regulation); and
(B) without regard to any other law (including regulation), for rent of buildings and space in buildings and for repair, alteration, and improvement of buildings and space in buildings rented by the Secretary, except that the Secretary shall not expend funds under the authority of this subparagraph—
(i) except when necessary to obtain an item, service, or facility, that is required in the proper administration of this part, and that otherwise could not be obtained, or could not be obtained in the quantity or quality needed, or at the time, in the form, or under the conditions in which the item, service, or facility is needed; and
(ii) prior to having given written notification to the Administrator of General Services (if the expenditure would affect an activity that otherwise would be under the jurisdiction of the General Services Administration) of the intention of the Secretary to make the expenditure, and the reasons and justifications for the expenditure.
(
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
Section effective on the first day of the first full program year after July 22, 2014 (July 1, 2015), see section 506 of
§3211. Job Corps oversight and reporting
(a) Temporary financial reporting
(1) In general
During the periods described in paragraphs (2) and (3)(B), the Secretary shall prepare and submit to the applicable committees financial reports regarding the Job Corps program under this part. Each such financial report shall include—
(A) information regarding the implementation of the financial oversight measures suggested in the May 31, 2013, report of the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Labor entitled "The U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration Needs to Strengthen Controls over Job Corps Funds";
(B) a description of any budgetary shortfalls for the program for the period covered by the financial report, and the reasons for such shortfalls; and
(C) a description and explanation for any approval for contract expenditures that are in excess of the amounts provided for under the contract.
(2) Timing of reports
The Secretary shall submit a financial report under paragraph (1) once every 6 months beginning on July 22, 2014, for a 3-year period. After the completion of such 3-year period, the Secretary shall submit a financial report under such paragraph once a year for the next 2 years, unless additional reports are required under paragraph (3)(B).
(3) Reporting requirements in cases of budgetary shortfalls
If any financial report required under this subsection finds that the Job Corps program under this part has a budgetary shortfall for the period covered by the report, the Secretary shall—
(A) not later than 90 days after the budgetary shortfall was identified, submit a report to the applicable committees explaining how the budgetary shortfall will be addressed; and
(B) submit an additional financial report under paragraph (1) for each 6-month period subsequent to the finding of the budgetary shortfall until the Secretary demonstrates, through such report, that the Job Corps program has no budgetary shortfall.
(b) Third-party review
Every 5 years after July 22, 2014, the Secretary shall provide for a third-party review of the Job Corps program under this part that addresses all of the areas described in subparagraphs (A) through (G) of
(c) Criteria for Job Corps center closures
By not later than December 1, 2014, the Secretary shall establish written criteria that the Secretary shall use to determine when a Job Corps center supported under this part is to be closed and how to carry out such closure, and shall submit such criteria to the applicable committees.
(d) Definition of applicable committees
In this section, the term "applicable committees" means—
(1) the Committee on Education and the Workforce of the House of Representatives;
(2) the Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies of the Committee of Appropriations of the House of Representatives;
(3) the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate; and
(4) the Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies of the Committee of Appropriations of the Senate.
(
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
Section effective on the first day of the first full program year after July 22, 2014 (July 1, 2015), see section 506 of
§3212. Authorization of appropriations
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this part—
(1) $1,688,155,000 for fiscal year 2015;
(2) $1,818,548,000 for fiscal year 2016;
(3) $1,856,283,000 for fiscal year 2017;
(4) $1,897,455,000 for fiscal year 2018;
(5) $1,942,064,000 for fiscal year 2019; and
(6) $1,983,236,000 for fiscal year 2020.
(
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
Section effective on the first day of the first full program year after July 22, 2014 (July 1, 2015), see section 506 of