Students in Job Corps Civilian Conservation Centers provided 204,633 total hours of support to federal firefighters in 2022, 20% more than the previous year, according to a release by the U.S. Department of Labor.

A total of 24 centers offer training programs in forestry conservation and wildfire fighting, as well as advanced wildland fire management and advanced emergency dispatch. These all make up an essential part of the country's efforts to combat fires.

“During the 2022 fire year, the Job Corps Fire Program matched a near record-setting number of hours spent engaged in wildfire suppression, prescribed fire and support functions to incidents," said Job Corps National Director Rachel Torres, in the release.

The support provided by the centers' students and staff included hours on wildland firefighting efforts and prescribed burns, assignments supporting wildland fire camps, and training hours, the release added. The centers' success is attributed to their strict commitment to safety principles and practices.

Founded in 1964, Job Corps is the nation's largest job training and education program for students between ages 16 and 24. It provides vocational training and academic experiences to increase opportunities towards gainful employment and career pathways. 

Job Corps centers include dormitories and a campus environment similar to a small college with programs and services offered to students for free.