Job Corps celebrates 50th anniversary

PALMER — The entire population of staff and students from the Alaska Job Corps Center, Aug. 20 built “the largest greeting from the largest state.”

The National Job Corps program turned 50 years old in August and as a part of celebration, the Alaska facility decided to strut its stuff — in the biggest way possible.

Two large numerals, composed of hundreds of bodies, were created on the game field, outlining a “5” and an “0.” An enormous cake was wheeled out, made and decorated by Culinary Arts students, which had an insignia of the Job Corps program.

“Happy Anniversary Job Corps” was chanted in English, Spanish and Yupik. All students were dressed proudly in their career clothing and the Alaska Native Dance group was in full regalia.

Videography and photography was done by students. The Student Government Association organized and directed the large group of people into workable and successful teams. The goal of this exercise was to recognize the 2.7 million students who have been helped by Job Corps. It also was to motivate current students. But mostly it was an effort to show that Job Corps is a working and fun environment for young people to learn, train and develop a career. Photos and video show the large “50” selfie and large cake composed carefully in front of large mountains and a larger sky. The whole event concluded with everyone enjoying cake and lemonade on the lawn.”

Later in the week, the national celebration took on a more serious and authentic tone with the official National Graduation on Aug. 22, featuring Mike Ulroan, Engineering Student and other leaders.