JobCorps

pajama · 05-04-2012, 05:22 AM

Good Morning BFP family. I have always said that it has taken/takes a village to raise my child so now I turn to my village for information and input.

Does anyone here have any experience with the JobCorps program?

The Boy screwed up his grades - irreperably - this semester and will most likely loose his financial aid. He knew the consequences and chose poorly. So he will be entering the job market with no experience and only a high school diploma at the age of 16.

I have looked at the JobCorps program online and it looks like a good program on paper. I just want to know if anyone has had experience, or even heard anything about it.

Or if you have any suggestions for employment skills/training/etc I would greatly appreciate it.

A

DapperButch · 05-04-2012, 05:29 AM

I don't know anyone personally who was involved with it, but I have heard good things about it. It is something I would definitely look into for your son. It may be a really good match for his situation. Good luck!

justkim · 05-04-2012, 06:29 AM

When my daughter was looking into Job Corps the only issue we saw was that not all programs are available. Find out what interests him and go from there. I know that there is a Job Corps here on the Western Slope of Colorado. It is located in Collbran. Check it out. Good Luck to the boy child!

deedarino · 05-04-2012, 07:38 AM

My honest opinion....Have The Boy file for an appeal. Often times they can get one chance with financial aid.

Although JobCorps can be a great place for some kids, it is mostly a place for troubled kids to get back on track. My son went there by choice (we had no idea) to get his GED and is now a brick mason, doing well. His opinion, along with several others I have heard, is that there was a lot of fighting, some drugs, drinking...he said he just kept to himself, and he graduated early.

Edited to add: High School Diploma at 16?? He seems to be way ahead of the game really :-) If school isn't for him, get him to working. At this age, he could be management material in a couple years...even if he starts small. Also, volunteer work could lead to bigger and better things...If he pays back financial aid, he can go back to school when he is ready. So many options at this age...

WolfyOne · 05-04-2012, 08:58 AM

Many years ago, my nephew did Job Corps because he was always in trouble back then and didn't finish HS. He didn't last there because he was a follower and not a leader. It is full of troubled kids that some parents just don't want or know another way of dealing with them. I'm not saying that there aren't good kids there wanting to learn, just not the majority of them. For those that can stay out of trouble and do the work without following the troubled kids, it can be a great way to learn a trade or go on to a career.

As smart as your son is, I think appealing for another chance is what I'd do first before having to check out other options. Perhaps if given another chance, he'll realize that poor decisions will no longer be an option and the alternative can be worse.

Best of luck to him and you

Apocalipstic · 05-04-2012, 09:03 AM

((((Pajara)))))

pajama · 05-04-2012, 04:17 PM

Thanks everybody for the input and kind words. He is a good kid.

And as to "second chances". This WAS his second chance. He had a 2.0 after the first semester and I made it abundantly clear that he needed to really buckle down. I guess it just wasn't important enough for him. I understand that, I did the same thing at 16. That's why I begged him not to screw up his GPA because you can seldom recover it.

I think he will work for a while. I may hold off on the JobCorps a month and see if he gets any interviews or anything. It's just sad, we try to help our kids have a better path than we had. *sigh*

Keep the suggestions coming if you think of anything.

THANKS!!!!!!
A

MsTinkerbelly · 05-04-2012, 04:42 PM

When I worked with a place called "The Village" in Long Beach as a job coach and placement specialist, I placed several people with the job corps...it is actually a really good program for young persons...especially those with out a sense of direction.

Those needing to learn a more disciplined way to live their lives also benefit a great deal; the added bonus of helping in the community brings pride and changes in self confidence (in my experience) as well.

It may not be about finding a new career, as much as it is about finding yourself and building skills.

Best of luck!

aishah · 05-04-2012, 04:47 PM

i'm so sorry to hear he's struggling! i don't know too much about jobcorps but just wanted to drop off hugs and love for you and the boy.

also, i wanted to second the idea of getting a job to pay back the financial aid and going back to school...my partner had to take some time off because of lack of money and loan screwups (he was dealing with a medical crisis at the time and fucked up a bunch of paperwork), but he was able to save up the money and pay back the loans to be able to enroll again.

i'm sure whatever he does will work out okay. thinking of you both. <3

Hansome · 05-20-2012, 08:56 PM

A newbee here, just joined.
I used to work at a job corps for 3 years. pajara- do you have any specific questions?

pajama · 06-22-2012, 02:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hansome

A newbee here, just joined.
I used to work at a job corps for 3 years. pajara- do you have any specific questions?

Hey Hansome.... So sorry, just saw your response. Thanks! It just sounds too good to be true. Free job training. I guess my two big questions are: Will he actually come out of it with a skill, do they actually teach? And do employers view the JobCorp as a good source of training? (i.e. Does it have a good reputation for producing skilled workers, or will they look at it and think "Oh this was a troubled kid that went to JobCorp instead of jail.") Okay, three questions - And will my baby be safe? LOL (but seriously)

Thank you. Anything you want to share about your experience would be appreciated too.

Welcome to the Planet.

A

Kenna · 06-22-2012, 05:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pajara

Hey Hansome.... So sorry, just saw your response. Thanks! It just sounds too good to be true. Free job training. I guess my two big questions are: Will he actually come out of it with a skill, do they actually teach? And do employers view the JobCorp as a good source of training? (i.e. Does it have a good reputation for producing skilled workers, or will they look at it and think "Oh this was a troubled kid that went to JobCorp instead of jail.") Okay, three questions - And will my baby be safe? LOL (but seriously)

Thank you. Anything you want to share about your experience would be appreciated too.

Welcome to the Planet.

A

Good morning A.
I must have missed this thread... sorry...
I attended JobCorps (many years ago). And did obtain my GED.. was working for my trade but illness forced me to resign. Yes, they actually do teach and if the person is interested in learning, the mentors will take them under their wing and flood them with learning and life skills. (My experience) .. I have much to share ... good and bad... and can also reference which facilities to avoid. JobCorps was a stepping stone for me... that initially gave me culture shock in many forms but in all, I turned it into a positive experience and have moved up the ladder ever since.
I will say... many years ago, several facilities were charged with ignoring hazing events.

I must rush off to work... would like to help... PM if u wish .....I'll never forget my time there. The harshness or the positive...

Hansome · 06-25-2012, 05:34 AM

Sweet is correct. They do teach very good trades and skills. Every student has a mentor to always talk to. There are lots of rules to follow. Culture shock is also correct. Your son will need to stay away from other students that are trouble-makers (guilt by association as well as hanging with the wrong crowd).
If he is serious about learning and sticks to his goal(s) of completion AND stays away from bad asses he should be fine!
Employers as anywhere seek good empolyees- Job Corps teaches very good trades and if your son needs GED/HS Diploma, usually employers don't care where the diploma came from.
Does your son need those and does he have a particular area to learn a trade?
Your baby should be safe depending on which one he attends. Unfortunately I think the larger JC's with over 500 students may not have the 'personal touch' that a smaller JC would. Also I would stay away from JC's that are in a city??
Also JC's are rated 1- 123, check the rating of those JC's your looking at. I worked at one that was #5 at one point to 23.
Hope this helps, let me know if need more.
Suggestion: don't be afraid to ask the staff questions-before, during his stay.

Good luck,
Hansome

Greyson · 10-31-2012, 10:18 AM

Yet another thread I did not see. Did your son decide to join? I was in Job Corp many years ago, back in the 70s. I already had my HS diploma but I was poor and trying to figure out a way to grow up and move out of my mom's house. The military had been my first plan but because of an orthopedic injury as a teen, that was not possible.

It was a culture shock, even for me. I had not been in trouble ever, but I did do the teenage thing of drinking and light drugging. Back in those days, all of the butches were put in one specfic dorm and forced to attend "charm classes." I got out of charm school because of an orthopedic condition I have. I was lucky, the charm class was at the top of the stairs on the third floor. I did attend a couple of times and for me it was humiliating.

I became very interested in a program they offered to help a few of us bridge into college. It did not pan out for me because at one point they rounded up all of the butches and suspected butches and discharged us. I was given an "honorable discharge" but none the less, out.

I know for a fact it was homophobia. My counselor at the time gave me the real story as to what was happening. She was in the closet at the time in terms of her bisexuality. Later in life I ran into her again and she was a Professor at Univeristy of New Mexico in Albuquerque, and a very out Lesbian. Yeah team!

Back to your son. Job Corp can work out for him if he stays focused and stays away from the young people that are there to only play and get a break away from whatever situation they left.

Rockinonahigh · 10-31-2012, 10:54 AM

Parja,I am the voice of experence because I have been in your sons shoes.I just didnt buckle down and be accountable about grades and my future when I was his age.After many years of doing it "MY way" and makeing some successes of it but not to the point it was feasable to contenue my path I wised up and went to techanal school insted of job corps.My reason was there were to many people in this program who were headed for a dead end job and that wasnt my road to take.Also I got much more job training and hands on experence than I would have othe wise.

Greyson · 10-31-2012, 11:16 AM

I think you probably made the right choice for you back in those days. I do believe it has gotten better in terms of career training. Again, the young person needs emotional support and to stay clear of the "extra curricular" activities.

Another piece of history, When I was in Job Corp, most butches, at least the obvious ones were directed toward careers that were of the labor nature. At least on the campus where I was. I was directed into electronics (way before computers and internet). I had to do a lot of talking and shoving my test scores in front of them to be placed in the "Upward Bound" (headed for college) program.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rockinonahigh

Parja,I am the voice of experence because I have been in your sons shoes.I just didnt buckle down and be accountable about grades and my future when I was his age.After many years of doing it "MY way" and makeing some successes of it but not to the point it was feasable to contenue my path I wised up and went to techanal school insted of job corps.My reason was there were to many people in this program who were headed for a dead end job and that wasnt my road to take.Also I got much more job training and hands on experence than I would have othe wise.

Rockinonahigh · 10-31-2012, 11:30 AM

Back when I went through the job corp just about every student was headed for a life of crime or,we didnt really have an emotional system to handle life's complexities.My gramps had passed and grannie was in the first stages of mental decline,mom worked all the time plus I always had a prob with a family issue since birth as my birth mother was the family trouble maker in the worst way so the sins of the parrents became mine in the eyes of most of the family.SO with out my grand parrents to keep the bs in check I became an absolute angry,pissed off kid.I really dont know how I didnt end up doing time or not liveing to grow up.I'm luckier than most I wokeup and saw the path I was on wasnt a good oneso being in an inviorment with more possitive out look definatly helped but took time because I had to lern to ajust my attitude big time.

Greyson · 10-31-2012, 11:43 AM

Rockin, funny how life can spin and turn out. Be proud. You done good and I am sure your son is proud of you and loves you much.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rockinonahigh

Back when I went through the job corp just about every student was headed for a life of crime or,we didnt really have an emotional system to handle life's complexities.My gramps had passed and grannie was in the first stages of mental decline,mom worked all the time plus I always had a prob with a family issue since birth as my birth mother was the family trouble maker in the worst way so the sins of the parrents became mine in the eyes of most of the family.SO with out my grand parrents to keep the bs in check I became an absolute angry,pissed off kid.I really dont know how I didnt end up doing time or not liveing to grow up.I'm luckier than most I wokeup and saw the path I was on wasnt a good oneso being in an inviorment with more possitive out look definatly helped but took time because I had to lern to ajust my attitude big time.

Rockinonahigh · 10-31-2012, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greyson

Rockin, funny how life can spin and turn out. Be proud. You done good and I am sure your son is proud of you and loves you much.

Ty Geryson,sometimes I need ro stop and realise that I made it inspite of it
all.

Martina · 10-31-2012, 01:56 PM

This may sound rude, but how middle class is your son's upbringing?

Job Corps is tough. Regimented -- early to bed, early to rise. Except for weekends.

And the kids who succeed -- based on what I have seen -- are the stronger kids from the hood. That means that they were surely strong kids IN the hood, some of them doing the things that keep one on top of the heap.

Some not. I had a female student, who went because she was tired of the streets. She was a take no shit person, tall and kind of andro looking, but straight. Basically, she didn't fit in and therefore was a target. She got tired of fighting over nothing and wanted out. She did fine.

I have found that the kids who stay and finish are the tougher kids (with some shitty experiences behind them) who want out.

It's not easy at all. You have to want it. Kids who are made to go there usually don't make it. And I wouldn't put a middle class kid in the Treasure Island one for money. Blows my mind a little to think about it. But they are different everywhere. You should check the one out that you are contemplating.

I am all for shaking a kid up, but if this is a fairly sheltered child, I personally would not risk it.

My whole thing is to be careful not to set a kid up for another failure. Failure after failure in those transitional years can be paralyzing.

05-04-2012, 05:22 AM	#1
pajama Senior Member How Do You Identify?: Klingon Preferred Pronoun?: She Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Just South of Nashvegas Baby Posts: 3,115 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 7,546 Thanked 7,480 Times in 1,809 Posts Rep Power: 21474854	JobCorps Good Morning BFP family. I have always said that it has taken/takes a village to raise my child so now I turn to my village for information and input. Does anyone here have any experience with the JobCorps program? The Boy screwed up his grades - irreperably - this semester and will most likely loose his financial aid. He knew the consequences and chose poorly. So he will be entering the job market with no experience and only a high school diploma at the age of 16. I have looked at the JobCorps program online and it looks like a good program on paper. I just want to know if anyone has had experience, or even heard anything about it. Or if you have any suggestions for employment skills/training/etc I would greatly appreciate it. A

05-04-2012, 05:29 AM	#2
DapperButch Roadster Guy How Do You Identify?: FTM, Stone Butch Preferred Pronoun?: He Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Northeast Posts: 7,745 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 26,545 Thanked 26,893 Times in 5,771 Posts Rep Power: 21474858	I don't know anyone personally who was involved with it, but I have heard good things about it. It is something I would definitely look into for your son. It may be a really good match for his situation. Good luck! __________________ -Dapper Are you educated or indoctrinated?

05-04-2012, 06:29 AM	#3
justkim Senior Member How Do You Identify?: Me... Preferred Pronoun?: ... Relationship Status: <3 myself Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: ... Posts: 2,023 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 3,062 Thanked 6,801 Times in 1,553 Posts Rep Power: 21474853	When my daughter was looking into Job Corps the only issue we saw was that not all programs are available. Find out what interests him and go from there. I know that there is a Job Corps here on the Western Slope of Colorado. It is located in Collbran. Check it out. Good Luck to the boy child! __________________ Kim "A word of encouragement during a failure is worth more than an hour of praise after success." - Unknown -

05-04-2012, 07:38 AM	#4
deedarino Member How Do You Identify?: Femme Preferred Pronoun?: Woman Relationship Status: In recovery. Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Oregon Posts: 632 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 3,518 Thanked 1,956 Times in 497 Posts Rep Power: 21474849	My honest opinion....Have The Boy file for an appeal. Often times they can get one chance with financial aid. Although JobCorps can be a great place for some kids, it is mostly a place for troubled kids to get back on track. My son went there by choice (we had no idea) to get his GED and is now a brick mason, doing well. His opinion, along with several others I have heard, is that there was a lot of fighting, some drugs, drinking...he said he just kept to himself, and he graduated early. Edited to add: High School Diploma at 16?? He seems to be way ahead of the game really :-) If school isn't for him, get him to working. At this age, he could be management material in a couple years...even if he starts small. Also, volunteer work could lead to bigger and better things...If he pays back financial aid, he can go back to school when he is ready. So many options at this age... __________________ Squint your eyes and look closer. I'm not between you and your ambitions. I am a poster girl with no poster. I am thirty-two flavors and then some. And I'm beyond your peripheral vision, so you might want to turn your head~Ani I want to think again of dangerous and noble things; I want to be light and frolicsome; I want to be improbable, beautiful and afraid of nothing as if I had wings Mary Oliver Last edited by deedarino; 05-04-2012 at 07:42 AM.

05-04-2012, 09:03 AM	#6
Apocalipstic Pink Confection How Do You Identify?: Femme Preferred Pronoun?: She, Her, Ma'am Relationship Status: Dating Myself Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Nashville Posts: 4,266 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 17,195 Thanked 11,383 Times in 2,840 Posts Rep Power: 21474855	((((Pajara))))) __________________

05-04-2012, 08:58 AM	#5
WolfyOne Magically Delicious How Do You Identify?: Gentle Butch Relationship Status: Single and content Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Minnesota Posts: 6,558 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 22,052 Thanked 15,407 Times in 4,139 Posts Rep Power: 21474857	Many years ago, my nephew did Job Corps because he was always in trouble back then and didn't finish HS. He didn't last there because he was a follower and not a leader. It is full of troubled kids that some parents just don't want or know another way of dealing with them. I'm not saying that there aren't good kids there wanting to learn, just not the majority of them. For those that can stay out of trouble and do the work without following the troubled kids, it can be a great way to learn a trade or go on to a career. As smart as your son is, I think appealing for another chance is what I'd do first before having to check out other options. Perhaps if given another chance, he'll realize that poor decisions will no longer be an option and the alternative can be worse. Best of luck to him and you __________________ Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength; loving someone deeply gives you courage --- Lao Tzo

05-04-2012, 04:17 PM	#7
pajama Senior Member How Do You Identify?: Klingon Preferred Pronoun?: She Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Just South of Nashvegas Baby Posts: 3,115 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 7,546 Thanked 7,480 Times in 1,809 Posts Rep Power: 21474854	Thanks everybody for the input and kind words. He is a good kid. And as to "second chances". This WAS his second chance. He had a 2.0 after the first semester and I made it abundantly clear that he needed to really buckle down. I guess it just wasn't important enough for him. I understand that, I did the same thing at 16. That's why I begged him not to screw up his GPA because you can seldom recover it. I think he will work for a while. I may hold off on the JobCorps a month and see if he gets any interviews or anything. It's just sad, we try to help our kids have a better path than we had. sigh Keep the suggestions coming if you think of anything. THANKS!!!!!! A

05-04-2012, 04:42 PM	#8
MsTinkerbelly Timed Out - TOS Drama How Do You Identify?: ... Preferred Pronoun?: ... Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: ... Posts: 6,573 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 30,737 Thanked 22,958 Times in 5,020 Posts Rep Power: 0	When I worked with a place called "The Village" in Long Beach as a job coach and placement specialist, I placed several people with the job corps...it is actually a really good program for young persons...especially those with out a sense of direction. Those needing to learn a more disciplined way to live their lives also benefit a great deal; the added bonus of helping in the community brings pride and changes in self confidence (in my experience) as well. It may not be about finding a new career, as much as it is about finding yourself and building skills. Best of luck!

05-04-2012, 04:47 PM	#9
aishah Member How Do You Identify?: queer stone femme shark baby girl Preferred Pronoun?: she, her, little one Relationship Status: dating myself. Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: dallas, tx Posts: 1,495 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 13,823 Thanked 6,437 Times in 1,288 Posts Rep Power: 21474850	i'm so sorry to hear he's struggling! i don't know too much about jobcorps but just wanted to drop off hugs and love for you and the boy. also, i wanted to second the idea of getting a job to pay back the financial aid and going back to school...my partner had to take some time off because of lack of money and loan screwups (he was dealing with a medical crisis at the time and fucked up a bunch of paperwork), but he was able to save up the money and pay back the loans to be able to enroll again. i'm sure whatever he does will work out okay. thinking of you both. <3

05-20-2012, 08:56 PM	#10
Hansome Junior Member How Do You Identify?: soft butch Relationship Status: Bachelor Join Date: May 2012 Location: Western NY State Posts: 2 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 0 Thanked 4 Times in 1 Post Rep Power: 0	A newbee here, just joined. I used to work at a job corps for 3 years. pajara- do you have any specific questions?

06-25-2012, 05:34 AM	#13
Hansome Junior Member How Do You Identify?: soft butch Relationship Status: Bachelor Join Date: May 2012 Location: Western NY State Posts: 2 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 0 Thanked 4 Times in 1 Post Rep Power: 0	Sweet is correct. They do teach very good trades and skills. Every student has a mentor to always talk to. There are lots of rules to follow. Culture shock is also correct. Your son will need to stay away from other students that are trouble-makers (guilt by association as well as hanging with the wrong crowd). If he is serious about learning and sticks to his goal(s) of completion AND stays away from bad asses he should be fine! Employers as anywhere seek good empolyees- Job Corps teaches very good trades and if your son needs GED/HS Diploma, usually employers don't care where the diploma came from. Does your son need those and does he have a particular area to learn a trade? Your baby should be safe depending on which one he attends. Unfortunately I think the larger JC's with over 500 students may not have the 'personal touch' that a smaller JC would. Also I would stay away from JC's that are in a city?? Also JC's are rated 1- 123, check the rating of those JC's your looking at. I worked at one that was #5 at one point to 23. Hope this helps, let me know if need more. Suggestion: don't be afraid to ask the staff questions-before, during his stay. Good luck, Hansome

10-31-2012, 10:18 AM	#14
Greyson Infamous Member How Do You Identify?: Transmasculine/Non-Binary Preferred Pronoun?: Hy (Pronounced He) Relationship Status: Married Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: SF Bay Area Posts: 6,589 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 21,132 Thanked 8,165 Times in 2,007 Posts Rep Power: 21474857	Yet another thread I did not see. Did your son decide to join? I was in Job Corp many years ago, back in the 70s. I already had my HS diploma but I was poor and trying to figure out a way to grow up and move out of my mom's house. The military had been my first plan but because of an orthopedic injury as a teen, that was not possible. It was a culture shock, even for me. I had not been in trouble ever, but I did do the teenage thing of drinking and light drugging. Back in those days, all of the butches were put in one specfic dorm and forced to attend "charm classes." I got out of charm school because of an orthopedic condition I have. I was lucky, the charm class was at the top of the stairs on the third floor. I did attend a couple of times and for me it was humiliating. I became very interested in a program they offered to help a few of us bridge into college. It did not pan out for me because at one point they rounded up all of the butches and suspected butches and discharged us. I was given an "honorable discharge" but none the less, out. I know for a fact it was homophobia. My counselor at the time gave me the real story as to what was happening. She was in the closet at the time in terms of her bisexuality. Later in life I ran into her again and she was a Professor at Univeristy of New Mexico in Albuquerque, and a very out Lesbian. Yeah team! Back to your son. Job Corp can work out for him if he stays focused and stays away from the young people that are there to only play and get a break away from whatever situation they left. __________________ Sometimes you don't realize your own strength until you come face to face with your greatest weakness. - Susan Gale Last edited by Greyson; 10-31-2012 at 10:31 AM.

10-31-2012, 10:54 AM	#15
Rockinonahigh Senior Member How Do You Identify?: stone butch Preferred Pronoun?: makes no diffrence,I know who I am. Relationship Status: single,maybe looking if the right person comes along. Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: shreveport,Louisiana Posts: 4,907 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 4,682 Thanked 14,937 Times in 3,936 Posts Rep Power: 21474855	Parja,I am the voice of experence because I have been in your sons shoes.I just didnt buckle down and be accountable about grades and my future when I was his age.After many years of doing it "MY way" and makeing some successes of it but not to the point it was feasable to contenue my path I wised up and went to techanal school insted of job corps.My reason was there were to many people in this program who were headed for a dead end job and that wasnt my road to take.Also I got much more job training and hands on experence than I would have othe wise.

10-31-2012, 11:30 AM	#17
Rockinonahigh Senior Member How Do You Identify?: stone butch Preferred Pronoun?: makes no diffrence,I know who I am. Relationship Status: single,maybe looking if the right person comes along. Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: shreveport,Louisiana Posts: 4,907 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 4,682 Thanked 14,937 Times in 3,936 Posts Rep Power: 21474855	Greyson Back when I went through the job corp just about every student was headed for a life of crime or,we didnt really have an emotional system to handle life's complexities.My gramps had passed and grannie was in the first stages of mental decline,mom worked all the time plus I always had a prob with a family issue since birth as my birth mother was the family trouble maker in the worst way so the sins of the parrents became mine in the eyes of most of the family.SO with out my grand parrents to keep the bs in check I became an absolute angry,pissed off kid.I really dont know how I didnt end up doing time or not liveing to grow up.I'm luckier than most I wokeup and saw the path I was on wasnt a good oneso being in an inviorment with more possitive out look definatly helped but took time because I had to lern to ajust my attitude big time.

10-31-2012, 01:56 PM	#20
Martina Senior Member How Do You Identify?: * Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: * Posts: 4,999 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 13,409 Thanked 18,366 Times in 4,171 Posts Rep Power: 21474854	This may sound rude, but how middle class is your son's upbringing? Job Corps is tough. Regimented -- early to bed, early to rise. Except for weekends. And the kids who succeed -- based on what I have seen -- are the stronger kids from the hood. That means that they were surely strong kids IN the hood, some of them doing the things that keep one on top of the heap. Some not. I had a female student, who went because she was tired of the streets. She was a take no shit person, tall and kind of andro looking, but straight. Basically, she didn't fit in and therefore was a target. She got tired of fighting over nothing and wanted out. She did fine. I have found that the kids who stay and finish are the tougher kids (with some shitty experiences behind them) who want out. It's not easy at all. You have to want it. Kids who are made to go there usually don't make it. And I wouldn't put a middle class kid in the Treasure Island one for money. Blows my mind a little to think about it. But they are different everywhere. You should check the one out that you are contemplating. I am all for shaking a kid up, but if this is a fairly sheltered child, I personally would not risk it. My whole thing is to be careful not to set a kid up for another failure. Failure after failure in those transitional years can be paralyzing.