The Excelsior Springs Job Corps Center hosted its latest Community Relations Council meeting last Wednesday, March 26, 2025, bringing together community leaders, business partners, and students. The meeting kicked off with Catherine Gibson, the center’s Business and Community Outreach coordinator, who welcomed everyone to the gathering. She invited everyone to enjoy the breakfast provided by the Culinary Arts students. Attendees introduced themselves, including community members like Mayor Mark Spohn of Excelsior Springs, local business leaders, and several representatives from the center’s staff and student body.
New Community Projects and Read Across America
One of the key announcements during the meeting was the upcoming Reading Across America initiative, which is part of a national effort to promote literacy. The project will coincide with Dr. Seuss’s birthday in March and aims to foster a love of reading among Job Corps students.
Catherine shared that Job Corps will be expanding its on-campus library to include more books that students will enjoy, and the center will also introduce a “Little Free Library” concept. This project involves small, free-standing boxes in which people can take or leave books at their leisure, promoting community literacy. The idea is that Job Corps students will take responsibility for the library, and they might even build the structures as part of their Carpentry training.
Additionally, students expressed interest in reading to younger children at local elementary schools. The center is exploring partnerships with schools to allow students to visit and read to younger students, furthering their commitment to encouraging literacy and community service.
Job Corps Community Contributions
Courtney Cole, the Chair of the Community Relations Council, followed Catherine’s updates with some reflections on the role Job Corps students play in the community. She highlighted how students have contributed to various local events, such as the installation of downtown signage designed by Job Corps welding students. The metal signs, which help guide people through the downtown area, have been a long-standing project, and now, students are working on updating and refreshing them to ensure they remain in good condition.
Courtney also emphasized the involvement of Job Corps students in community events like the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast, which will be held on May 1, 2025. The JROTC students will participate in the event by presenting the colors and conducting the opening ceremony. Additionally, the center is preparing for the return of the Silver Prom, an event designed for seniors aged 60 and up. Culinary Arts students will again play a key role in preparing food for the event, which was a big hit the previous year.
Student Success Stories
One of the most inspiring moments of the morning came when Gabriel “Gabe” Radke, a security trade student, took the floor to share his Job Corps journey. Gabe, who has been at Job Corps since August 2024, was recently honored with the Purple Heart Foundation Leadership Award and named Cadet of the Year for his exemplary performance in the security program.
Gabe spoke candidly about his transformation since joining the Job Corps. He shared that before coming to the center, he was working a minimum-wage job in Minnesota and felt his life was stagnating. “I don’t think I was really going anywhere in life,” Gabe admitted. After learning about Job Corps, he applied to the security program and relocated to Missouri, where he has since earned his high school equivalency diploma (HiSET) and completed the protection officer certification. He will also be taking his driver’s test later that day, with the Job Corps helping cover the cost.
Looking ahead, Gabriel expressed his excitement about a future in law enforcement. “Once I get out of here and finish up with CTS, I’ll be flying back to Minnesota and have a job lined up in the Minneapolis Police Department,” he shared. Gabriel’s instructor has been instrumental in connecting him with recruitment at MPD, and upon his return, he plans to pursue a two-year criminal justice degree, fully funded by the department. “MPD has a starting pay of 85k a year,” he added, showcasing the significant career opportunities Job Corps has helped him secure.
Updates on Programs and Community Involvement
Tammy Harrelson, the Job Corps OA Director, provided updates on several important initiatives, including the upcoming Career Fair scheduled for April 10, 2024. The event, which will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on the Job Corps campus, will feature 20+ employers, providing students with valuable networking and employment opportunities.
Tammy also announced a new program designed to help non-residential students balance their education with family and work responsibilities. Non-residential students, who do not live on campus, will now have a flexible schedule that allows them to arrive by 9:00 a.m. instead of 8:00 a.m., giving them extra time to take care of personal obligations, such as getting children to daycare. Additionally, these students will leave at 3:00 p.m. instead of 3:30 p.m., allowing them more time to pick up children and manage other family responsibilities. Harrison explained that while non-residential students may miss a few hours of in-person instruction, they will be able to make up the time through online coursework, including high school and trade-related studies.
With 122 slots available for non-residential students, Harrison highlighted the importance of this program in expanding access to Job Corps opportunities for students in the region. She also noted that while students can drive to the center, they are encouraged to use designated bus stops for transportation. The center is exploring additional parking solutions for students who wish to drive their own vehicles.
Job Corps Employment Opportunities
Cynthia Kennedy and Kristen Rhodus from the Job Corps HR team shared exciting employment opportunities at the center. They explained that the center has 20 current vacancies across various departments, with a strong need for staff in residential living, security, and academic roles. The HR team also highlighted the generous benefits offered to employees, including vacation and sick time, medical, dental, and vision insurance, 12 paid holidays, and a 401(k) plan with employer contributions. These benefits start on day one for employees, making Job Corps an attractive workplace for both full-time staff and part-time workers.
Roth and Kennedy also encouraged community members to help spread the word about these job openings, particularly in security and residential living positions. The HR team noted that while they are actively recruiting, they are also working closely with the community to help connect individuals with these opportunities.
Community Partnerships and Recognition
The meeting concluded with a segment dedicated to recognizing the valuable partnerships Job Corps has cultivated with local organizations. Lori Sams, the center director, expressed gratitude to the Excelsior Springs Hospital and the Clay County Sheriff’s Office for their ongoing support. The hospital, in particular, has been instrumental in providing emergency medical services for Job Corps students, while the Sheriff’s Office has helped ensure the safety of the center’s operations.
“These partnerships are essential to our success,” Sams said. “We truly appreciate the support we’ve received from these organizations.”
Sams presented Excelsior Springs Hospital CEO Kristen DeHart and Corporal Megan Blackburn with the Clay County Sheriff’s Office with certificates of appreciation in recognition of their contributions to the success of the Job Corps Center.
Sams also discussed the center’s upcoming plans, including participation in community events like Waterfest, where Job Corps students will assist with security and event operations. Culinary students will also play a key role in preparing breakfast for the Community Entrepreneurial Communities (CEC) conference in the fall. “We’re looking forward to continuing to showcase our students’ talents and abilities,” Sams added.
Before wrapping up the meeting, Sams addressed the current state of the Job Corps program, reassuring the group that despite some budget challenges at the federal level, the Job Corps program is expected to be re-certified in June 2025, ensuring the continuation of services for the foreseeable future.
“We are fully committed to our students’ success and the continued success of the Job Corps program,” Sams concluded.
With a strong sense of partnership and commitment to student success, the Excelsior Springs Job Corps Center is continuing to make a significant impact on the local community. For those interested in learning more or partnering with Job Corps, the center encourages outreach to staff members for further information and tours of the campus.
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