ONEONTA ­– The Oneonta Job Corps Academy is part of a 50-year-old federally funded program that is working hard to provide training, support and certification to young adults in Chenango County and four other surrounding counties. This summer there will be events to educate residents in Chenango County about the benefits of OJCA and all that it offers.

While OJCA has been actively serving students from all five counties, there is also the goal to reach out to residents of Chenango County so they can take advantage of all that OJCA has to offer. “I’d like to repay the support of the local community and businesses by serving students of their locale,” said Chris Kuhn, Academy Director. “Our vision is to exceed expectations by improving the living and learning environment for students so they can succeed.”

Job Corps is a nationwide program that provides a second chance to at-risk, disadvantaged youth by providing various high school diploma options, post-secondary credit, leadership development, training in over 100 trades in 11 industries with various certifications, job placement and career/life skills. Kuhn said that OJCA does this by providing holistic, comprehensive training and support in all aspects of students’ lives so they can succeed. OJCA partners with local businesses and employers to ensure that students are acquiring the skills that will lead to employment.