DOL Assistant Secretary Ray Jefferson Visits the Potomac Job Corps Center

Assistant DOL Secretary of Veterans’ Employment and Training Services Ray Jefferson visited Potomac Job Corps Center on Monday, April 5, 2010. During his visit, Mr. Jefferson toured the 66 acres facilities of the Center, met with students, and discussed program’s success.

“We are working with the National Office of Job Corps to start referring military veterans ages 20-24 to several Job Corps Centers nationwide”, said Assistant Secretary Jefferson. “Job Corps is an essential program for our young generation, and it would be of great match to many veterans that return from the military service”.

Potomac Job Corps Hosts “Lights Out” Event to Help Save Energy

We all should have noticed by now that green is everywhere these days--in the news, politics, technology, and even fashion. We can hardly escape it on the Internet, and now with the Planet Green TV network, we can even enjoy eco-friendly entertainment 24 hours a day. That is all great as far as we are concerned, but with a million messages and ideas coming at us from all sides, it can be easy to get caught up in the quotidian routine—switching to organic foods, turning down the thermostat, recycling, etc. without thinking about the big picture of how our actions stack up.
While it is easy to get overwhelmed, it is also simple to begin making a positive impact. On Saturday, March 27th, Potomac Job Corps Center sent a clear message to save energy by participating in the National Lights Out event.

“By using less energy, and greening the electricity that we do use, we can lighten our footprint immensely”, said Harold McKelvin, residential and recreational manager at Potomac Job Corps Center. “We approached our student government (SGA) with idea to promote energy savings to students by having the lights off on the entire Center during the busiest evening of the week. SGA loved this idea and helped us to coordinate the National Lights Out event”.

Thus, from 8 pm to 9:30 pm Saturday evening on March 27th, students turned the lights off in residential living areas, and gathered by the large grill outside of cafeteria. Student government, together with Residential staff cooked hamburgers and hot dogs, and students enjoyed an evening cook out. After the tasty meal, students settled in the gymnasium to watch “Avatar” on a big screen. Many of the students brought their blankets and pillows and relaxed on bleachers.

“This was a very special evening”, said Tiana Brown, plumbing student of Potomac Center. "I enjoyed peace and quiet time on the center, and this is a great way to educate people about Green principles.”

Job Corps Partners with Local Training Organizations to Host Expo for Construction Industry Employers

Three major training organizations, all located in the District of Columbia, united in a joint endeavor to challenge the staggering unemployment rates in the city. Potomac Job Corps Center, Sasha Bruce Youthbuild, and the Workforce Development program of the Community College of the District of Columbia (CCDC) hosted a “Construction Trades Expo” Thursday March 11, 2010 at PR Harris School.

During the Trades Expo, current students from Potomac Job Corps Center, Sasha Bruce YouthBuild and CCDC showcased their hands on experiences in various technical trades, including electrical, HVAC, carpentry, plumbing, cement masonry, bricklaying, and facility maintenance. Over 50 people from construction companies and organizations attended the event.

“The construction industry has suffered the great downturn, losing over 1.9 million jobs since the recession started in December 2007. Despite the fact of tremendous job loss, construction industry’s need for qualified and skilled personnel is exceedingly demanding,” said Allie Bird, Director of Ward Eight Workforce Development Council. “Construction industry training that the educational coalition is offering to the public is needed today as never before. This room, filled with the members of construction companies, city representatives and training institutions is a clear testament of how important it is to all of us to ensure that our population is educated and well trained to become productive members of society.”

The students set up booths where they were able to display their skills, show what they are learning in class, and talk to several construction industry insiders. They were engaged in conversations, covering in great detail, their skills and knowledge of their varying trades.
“It was very empowering to see so many businesses that are looking for reliable and skilled employees”, said Kawan Holland, 19 year old students of Cement Masonry Trade of the Potomac Job Corps Center. “I saw impressed looks from many guests during our conversations, and I will be sure to follow up on employment opportunities with them by the time I complete the program”.

Potomac Job Corps Wants Clean Energy Now!

On February 25, 2010, several Potomac Job Corps Center students and faculty joined the Hip Hop Caucus Clean Energy Now! rally on the steps of the Capitol in Washington D.C. The theme, “Clean Energy Now!” echoed across Capitol Hill as the Hip Hop Caucus Clean Energy Now! bus tour came to an end. This tour was to make members of the surrounding communities and neighborhoods aware of the importance and need for clean energy and rights to economic equality in our nation's capitol.

The rally and press conference brought light to the immediate need for a cleaner environment. The Hip Hop Caucus’ message was made clear: we can help fight pollution and poverty at the same time and that time is now!

The students from the Potomac Job Corps Center, including several students from the Student Government Association, brought back several green ideas and talking points they were able to share with their fellow students.