The mission of Job Corps is to provide at-promise youth with the opportunity to succeed and become productive members of today's workforce through a rigorous educational and vocational training program.

Description:
We are looking for positive, motivational individuals who would like to provide encouragement and inspiration to the youth we assist through the S.T.A.R.S. (Speakers, Tutors, Achievement, Retention, and Success) program. The program invites volunteer community members to join in the effort of helping young people succeed - by sharing your time and expertise.

S.T.A.R.S. is an initiative launched by Job Corps to increase student retention, student achievement and Job Corps completion. Volunteers work with youth (ages 16-24) and provide tutoring and/or mentoring sessions, which focus on students’ academic success and personal and social development.

Tutors provide academic reinforcement, based on student’s needs, assist students in academic achievement and provide guidance in career technical areas, personal development and life skills. Tutoring subject areas include: language arts and literacy; mathematics and numeracy; physical and social sciences; and strategies for academic success.

Mentors give support and guidance to students as they work towards accomplishing their personal and professional goals at Job Corps. The mentoring component focuses on the following areas: social and personal development; multicultural awareness; interpersonal skills; independent living and guidance on home life; career planning and workplace relations; and similarly related topics.

Please contact the STARS Coordinator, John Bjerke, either by phone or email to talk more about how you can help make a difference in a young adult’s life.

(415) 875-1717
bjerke.john@jobcorps.org

History:
Funded by the United States Congress, Job Corps has been training young adults for meaningful careers since 1964. Job Corps is committed to offering all students a safe, drug-free environment where they can take advantage of the resources provided.

Job Corps is a no-cost education and vocational training program administered by the U.S. Department of Labor that helps young people complete secondary education, get a better job, and take control of their lives.

Contact person: John Bjerke, Program Coordinator, (phone), (email)
Main office number: (415) 875-1717

Address:

655 H Avenue, Bldg 442 San Francisco, CA 94130 (See a map)

Web Site: http://treasureisland.jobcorps.gov

Directions:

Driving from San Francisco/Peninsula Areas: -Take US-101 NORTH toward SAN FRANCISCO -Take right fork onto I-80 EAST toward US-101N/OAKLAND/SEVENTH ST/BAY BRIDGE. . . (more)   Nearest Bus Stop: 108, 2 minute walk

Miscellaneous Information

Besides English, which languages are spoken at your agency?
	Cantonese, Mandarin, Spanish
What is the minimum age for volunteers at your agency?
	18
Is your agency wheelchair accessible?
	Yes
Does your agency have the capacity to host groups of more than 10?
	Yes
Does your agency have the capacity to host groups of more than 20?
	Yes

Overall Experience   
The situation and players change, but the emotions are still the same (self-doubt, confidence).

The kids make a voluntary, conscience decision to participate in the program. In the end, they are looking for what any of us would want: Somebody that cares, will not judge them, put them down, or feed them a line of 'bull'. posted by raesue on October 17, 2007