The Department of Labor announced today that Job Corps centers nationwide will host a series of events and activities from May 20-24, aimed at promoting positive mental health and fostering supportive environments where students can openly discuss their mental health issues and seek solutions. These events coincide with the month of May's designation as Mental Health Awareness Month and are part of Youth 2 Youth Week 2024, which focuses on the student-led Y2Y initiative at Job Corps. The initiative aims to combat violence and drug use while supporting mental health on campuses.
"Since its founding in 1964, Job Corps has responded to changing trends, and an innovation like the Youth 2 Youth program is a shining example of that evolution," said Acting National Job Corps Director Erin McGee. "Educational institutions like Job Corps centers understand that students’ mental health must always be an important focus. The Youth 2 Youth Initiative gives our students the chance to connect with each other and share best practices for addressing mental health concerns."
In 2023, the department’s Office of Job Corps revamped the Y2Y program, involving more than 300 students from over 120 Job Corps centers as campus student ambassadors. Y2Y groups encourage students to attend open meetings where they discuss daily challenges and work together to create positive, supportive environments on campus.
Activities planned for Y2Y Week include group gardening sessions; multicultural gatherings promoting native foods, clothing, and arts; and a competition for participants to create banners focused on peace, unity, and mental health.
"Typically, students are more comfortable talking with peers, which makes a student-led program like Youth 2 Youth so important and valuable," McGee added. "We’ve seen our students take part in some very serious conversations about mental health. Their clear concern for one another shows how Job Corps has helped these young people develop the maturity and social skills they need to be successful."
Celebrating its 60th anniversary, Job Corps is a federal career technical and education program for eligible young people aspiring to higher education and good jobs. Administered by the Department of Labor, the program operates more than 120 residential and non-residential locations across America. Job Corps provides hands-on career skills training, healthcare, and job search assistance to students. The program also offers expedited enrollment for eligible young adults experiencing homelessness.
