“He would be most proud of this.” Alaska Job Corps Center renamed in honor of the late Don Young

During his career as the longest-serving Republican in congressional history, having been the U.S. representative for Alaska's at-large congressional district for 49 years, from 1973 until his death in 2022, the late Don Young was known for his advocacy for the state of Alaska.

Among Young’s career highlights was the passage of legislation his first year in office that allowed for construction of the trans-Alaska pipeline system, which became the state’s economic lifeline. He also supported earmarks as a way to bring home projects and build up much-needed infrastructure in Alaska, where the geography can be challenging, with communities that range from big cities to tiny villages.

Young was a conservative and won support with voters for his stances on gun and hunting rights and a strong military. He made a career out of railing a federal bureaucracy that he saw as locking up Alaska’s mineral, timber and petroleum resources.

One of the things he was most passionate about was bring a Job Corps Center (JCC) to the state of Alaska, fighting with his Congress to establish a JCC here in the state.

“We would not be here today if it were not for Don Young fighting for Alaska,” said Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy during remarks at the Alaska Job Corps Center’s re-dedication ceremony on Wednesday. The JCC has been officially renamed the Don Young Alaska Job Corps Center.

It was one of 3 acts approved by the US House and Senate to commemorate Don Young’s many years of service.

“For 49 years, it was Don Young making sure Alaska’s needs weren’t overlooked,” the Governor said before adding, “This Job Corps Center is just one example of the fruit of his labor.”

The battle to get the JCC was not an easy one, going through years of delays and discussions of where to build the JCC and how to pay for it led many to question if it would ever be built. Through it all, Young held firm, knowing that just such a center as the JCC would be a significant value to the area and benefit to the community, especially the students who would come through the doors.

“Don Young’s office said that the Job Corps is one of the most successful federal programs, and I think a lot of folks in this room would attest to that and agree with that.”

Senator Lisa Murkowski commented that significance of the event, and honoring Don Young’s legacy brought out all 3 members of Alaska’s Congressional delegation-Senators Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, and Representative Mary Peltola.

“That’s not too many occasions where you actually see the 3 of us together, whether it’s here in the state, or back in Washington D.C. It speaks to the moment. It speaks to why we are here.”

Senator Murkowski told attendees that it was fitting that the renaming of the facility for all of his work to ensure the building of the JCC, and that it was the Job Corps that requested adding the late Representative’s name onto the building.

“When we think about Don’s legacy, so much of it can come back to this building,” said Senator Murkowski.

She later shared that with all of his other accolades, at his core, Don Young was an educator, committed to education and educating others, and that he recognized that the delivery models are going to be a little bit different depending on where people were and where they come from.

“The value of that education, particularly a vocational education, could allow you to take those skills back to the village, back to the region, and contribute and make a real difference.”

Senator Dan Sullivan echoed the sentiments, saying that the JCC reflects so much of what Young had done over his long career.

“When you look at his career, it was all about getting Alaska to work.” Senator Sullivan also said that Young had always wanted to help people; that was the most important part of his job.

“He said, ‘as long as you respect the other person and their beliefs, you can be successful. Whether I was in the majority or the minority, I tried to work with people to solve problems,’” the Senator said, adding, “The Job Corps was one of the many ways he helped Alaskans, people who wanted a job and the training, to get things done.”

Representative Mary Peltola, who replaced Don Young as the sole representative for Alaska after special election when he passed away, then went on to become the first Native Alaskan elected U.S. Congress, told attendees that she intends to carry on the legacy of support to the JCC.

“Congressman Young continued to support this Job Corps Center throughout his time in Congress, and I intend to do the same.”

The JCC holds a special spot for Representative Peltola as her sister was a graduate of the Finance program, attending after she graduated high school in 1996, and using the skills and knowledge in her career.

“She’s gone on to serve as City Manager in the village of Kwethluk, and she now working at the Association of Village Council Presidents as a grants compliance officer, so she went on to do amazing things for our state. I know that all of the students here will provide a real contribution to our state and our economy.”

Representative Peltola says that the work currently being performed at the JCC will continue, providing education to the next generations of talent, for free, and with the continued support of the community.

One such community member is Janet Kincaid, longtime resident and business owner, and was on the Matanuska Susitna Borough when the JCC broke ground and opened, said that the JCC couldn’t have happened without people supporting it, and more importantly, supporting Don Young.

“If we hadn’t supported Don Young and his efforts to gain funding, it wouldn’t have happened. It happens because 1 person can, and does, make a difference.” She then urged all of the students to take an active role in the community, engage with elected officials on every level, and talk to people in their communities.

Following the remarks from the honored guests, the ribbon was officially cut to open the Don Young Job Corps Center, and the public was invited to take a tour of the center, meet with the students, and dine on food prepared by JCC students in the Culinary Arts program.

The Don Young Recognition Act was passed shortly after his death, and designated 3 places in Alaska to bear his name, honoring his legacy—a federal office building in Fairbanks, an active volcanic mountain peak in the Aleutian chain, and the newly renamed JCC center in Palmer.

“We named an active volcano, not just a passive, docile, dormant volcano, but one that we anticipate could erupt at any moment, with any degree of enthusiasm. We thought that was pretty fitting,” joked Senator Murkowski, a sentiment that was shared with fellow Senator Dan Sullivan, who summed up the dedication the best:

“I think the recognition he would be most proud of is this one today is right here.”

For more information about the Don Young Alaska Job Corps Center, visit: www.alaska.jobcorps.gov