WASHINGTON, D.C. -- House Education and the Workforce Chairman John Boehner (R-OH) today praised Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao’s announcement of a cooperative agreement that partners five Job Corps sites with five community faith-based organizations to help at-risk and high-risk youth.

     “Secretary Chao’s announcement is a demonstration of the Bush Administration’s commitment to a federal job training program that has been a proven success. By allowing Job Corps to tap the energies and talents of America’s faith-based community, the Department of Labor is giving Job Corps the chance to have an even greater impact,” said Boehner.

     Job Corps is the nation’s largest residential educational and training program for economically challenged youth. Under President Bush’s FY 2003 budget, Job Corps funding has been increased by $73 million to $1.5 billion. With these additional funds, the program will provide intensive academic, technical career and social skill training, and support to 73,000 participants.

     On January 29th, 2001, President Bush signed an executive order creating centers for faith-based and community initiatives in five executive agencies, including the Department of Labor. These centers work under the direction of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives to help federal agencies work in conjunction with successful faith-based and grassroots organizations.

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