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College & Career Training in Alaska

Many of our blogs are focused on individuals who seek to improve themselves through colleges and career-training programs.  However, there are several different avenues available to assist with self-growth and self-learning – the various Corps!  Let’s explore a quick snap shot of each Corp and what they offer:

AmeriCorps is a network of national service programs, made up of three primary programs that each take a different approach to improving lives and fostering civic engagement. Members commit their time to address critical community needs like increasing academic achievement, mentoring youth, fighting poverty, sustaining national parks, preparing for disasters, and more.

There are three types of services within AmeriCorps:

  • AmeriCorps NCCC – conducts hands-on service projects with a team.
  • AmeriCorps State & National – meets community needs through diverse projects.
  • AmeriCorps VISTA – works with organizations to fight poverty.

The three services have different requirements and benefits, but age of participants are from 17 to 24 years old, duration of service is from three months to a year, and some living and education allowances.

 

The Peace Corps is a service opportunity for motivated changemakers to immerse themselves in a community abroad, working side by side with local leaders to tackle the most pressing challenges of our generation.

There are six types of fields that projects fall into:

  • Agriculture
  • Community Economic Development
  • Education
  • Environment
  • Health
  • Youth in Development

Student loan, travel, medical, dental, and career benefits are some of the many reasons to join.  Service time is two years, plus three months of training.  They are looking for anyone including college grads, retirees, and anyone looking to make a difference in the world.

 

Job Corps is the largest nationwide residential career-training program in the country and has been operating for more than 50 years. The program helps eligible young people ages 16 through 24 complete their high school education, trains them for meaningful careers, and assists them with obtaining employment.

They have both learning and training programs, which are fully funded by the federal government and is FREE to students and their families.  The learning programs include helping people earn their high school diploma, complete drivers education, and other career development programs.  Their training programs fall into ten clusters of programs:

  • Advanced Manufacturing
  • Automotive and Machine Repair
  • Construction
  • Finance and Business
  • Healthcare
  • Homeland Security
  • Hospitality
  • Information Technology
  • Renewable Resources and Energy
  • Transportation

 

The Alaska Job Corp Center is located in Palmer, AK and students live on a 20-acre rural campus. 

With any of these agencies, I do recommend that you reach out to them to ensure that the information given is still accurate and they would be better equipped to answer any of your questions.  Some questions for you to consider are –

Do you want to travel, and if so, in or out of the country? 

Does it fit with your goals or career plans? 

Does the length of service work with your schedule?

Even if none of these options interest you, you can still volunteer locally through your schools, non-profits, citywide initiatives and other opportunities.  Volunteering and community services lets you get a small dose of an experience before committing to a long-term service organization.  It can also look great on a scholarship or job application.

If you have any questions about postsecondary options, please come by the ACPE Success Center located at the Dimond Center Mall.  For more information, or to schedule an appointment, please call us at 1 (800) 441-2962, option #4.

About the Author

Tyler Eggen

Tyler Eggen

Tyler is Alaskan born and educated, with over a decade of experience in higher education & student affairs.  When he is not serving the next generation of postsecondary education students, he enjoys spending time outdoors while hunting and fishing.

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