Black Hills National Forest

News Release

USDA Forest Service

Black Hills National Forest

Contact: Holly Sortland, Job Corps Career Advisor, (605) 341-3584, or email us at r2 blackhills webinfo@fs.fed.us

BOXELDER JOB CORPS CENTER HELPS BUILD IMPORTANT LIFE SKILLS

NEMO, SD: NOVEMBER 10, 2009

Situated in the Middle of the Hills by Nemo, SD, the Boxelder Job Corps Center has been serving and teaching young people important life skills through career technical and academic training.

The Boxleder Job Corps is operated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service. “It is part of the nationally funded department of labor scholarship for underprivileged youth ages 16 – 24,” said Holly Sortland, Job Corp Career Advisor. “We offer several different vocational trades. Students can also get there GED or high school diploma at the center.”

The Center’s goal is to teach eligible young people job skills and help place them in related jobs and/or help further their education. Career training offered at the center includes business technology, carpentry, culinary arts, certified nurse assistant, electrician, facility maintenance, painting, networking and computer technology, union bricklaying, and welding.

“Students come voluntarily and choose to be here,” said Sortland. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for them to learn a trade and build an employment background.”

Sortland said the Boxelder Job Corps brings people from all over with different backgrounds and cultures. The center hosted their first annual Native American day back in October. “We work hard at celebrating different cultures at the center and try to get students interested and gain a better understanding,” said Sortland. “We are very grateful to all of our partners and people who came out to participate and make these events work.”

The center relies on scholarships making it so there is no cost for students or families who are interested. To enroll at Boxelder Job Corps, contact an admissions counselor at (800) 733-5627. Sortland said admission to Job Corps is ongoing. “We have new students arrive every two weeks, and we have orientation sessions open to the public the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month at the career learning center on E. Watertown Street in Rapid City from 3pm-4pm,” said Sortland.

For more information on the Boxelder Job Corps Center visit: www.opportunityjobcorps.blogspot.com

For more information on the Black Hills National Forest visit our website at www.fs.fed.us/r2/blackhills