RELEASE: December 2, 2002

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Trenton- Department of Human Services (DHS) Commissioner Gwendolyn L. Harris will emphasize the vital role of the New Jersey Youth Corps (NJYC) in providing leadership for young New Jersey adults in her keynote address at the NJYC Conference, Dec. 3, 2002, 3:00 P.M. Holiday Inn, Atlantic City.

"The Youth Corp program opens the door to opportunity for the young people who want to succeed," said Commissioner Harris. "The Corps teachers and staff make that possible and DHS is proud to fund this program."

NJYC is considered New Jersey’s model program for working with out-of-school youth, as cited by the NJ Department of Labor. NJYC has received several Exemplary Service Awards from the National Association of Service and Conservation Corps, US Department of Education and US Department of Labor.

NJYC serves young adults, between ages 16 and 25, who have dropped out of school. NJYC combines community service projects with instruction leading to a high school diploma (either Adult High School or GED). It also provides personal and career counseling and development, employment and life skills instruction and assists youth in transitioning to employment, college, or further training. Each year the program serves between 900 and 1000 young people. Approximately 80 percent of the young people who pass through the program achieve at least one positive outcome, such as obtaining a GED, getting a job, or entering military service.

Created by legislation in 1984, NJYC moved to the DHS from the Department of Education in 1997. This is the third annual training conference and the first time a DHS Commissioner will provide the keynote address to the NJYC staff. DHS’ Office of Education funds the NJYC program, the staff members are third party contractors hired by a local organization, such as a school board.