After a hiatus of over three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Excelsior Springs Job Corps Community Relations Council reconvened on Thursday, February 8, 2024, a significant step towards reintegrating the institution’s students with the local community. The meeting, held at the Job Corps Center’s Culinary Arts Building from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM, was a showcase of collaboration and appreciation attended by notable community leaders and Job Corps officials.
The return to face-to-face engagement was celebrated with a plated lunch prepared by the Culinary Arts team, led by instructors Sarah Woods and Anthony Smith, under the supervision of team manager Yvette O’Dell and director of operations Susan Stanley. This event not only provided an opportunity for attendees to enjoy the culinary talents of Job Corps students but also served as a platform for fostering discussions on future partnerships between the students and the community of Excelsior Springs.
Key figures in attendance from the community included Police Chief Gregory Dull, Fire Chief Joe Maddick, City Council member Gary Renne, Chamber of Commerce Director Brian Rice, Chamber Trolley Coordinator Lindsay Hall, and SAFE Coordinator Julia Mees. Their presence underscored the community’s support for the Job Corps program and its mission to prepare young people for the workforce.
Angela Reschke, the Business Engagement Specialist for the Job Corps, led the meeting with enthusiasm and gratitude. She recognized the continuous support and dedication of community partners and union coordinators who have contributed significantly to the development and success of Job Corps students. Two notable presentations highlighted the afternoon: the Community Partner Appreciation and the Union Partner Appreciation.
The Community Partner Appreciation was awarded to SSG. Brandon Uzzel and SSG. Kody Wagner from the US Army Recruiting Station. These representatives have demonstrated unwavering commitment to Excelsior Springs Job Corps students by engaging in weekly discussions, participating in after-hours events, and offering their expertise as volunteer instructors. Starting February 19, 2024, they will lead a weekly interactive course covering topics like handcuffing techniques, land navigation, and firearm safety, further enriching the students’ learning experience.
The Union Partner Appreciation honored Charles Miller, the Regional Coordinator for Local 518, who has been instrumental in teaching trade skills and modeling positive behavior for the students. His efforts have not only enhanced the educational offerings at Excelsior Springs Job Corps but have also made a lasting impact on the lives of many students.
The Excelsior Springs Job Corps Center (ESJCC) not only prepares young people for successful careers but also plays a pivotal role in enriching the local community and economy, demonstrating the invaluable contribution of this program to individual lives and society at large. The ESJCC has demonstrated significant positive impacts on its students and the local community.
According to Center Director, Lori Sams the ESJCC has a growing graduation rate of 45%, where students achieve not only their high school diplomas but also gain valuable trade certifications. Remarkably, the job placement rate stands at 83%, encompassing both graduates and non-completers, with over 90% of ESJCC graduates securing jobs aligned with their Career Technical Training program. Based on independent surveys, over 75% of placed students remain with the same employer a year after separation.
The broader impact of the ESJCC on the Excelsior Springs community is profound, ranging from enhancing local business through part-time student employment to long-term social benefits. By lifting young individuals out of poverty and setting them on a path to self-sufficiency, the Center affects positive change that transcends generations.
Lori Sams, and Bruce Burnett, the Deputy Director, along with Tammy Harrelson, Director of Outreach/Admissions and Career Transition Services, expressed their gratitude towards all attendees and contributors for their role in bridging the gap between the Job Corps students and the Excelsior Springs community. The meeting displayed the resilient spirit of the community and its collective effort to support the next generation of skilled professionals.
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