Golconda branch of Job Corps celebrates 50th Saturday

Sargent Shriver was the architect of Job Corps, Peace Corps and many other programs that came out of the Kennedy/Johnson years. Job Corps was the core program of LBJ's "War On Poverty."

It is moving right along today at age 50. Saturday there will be a celebration at the Golconda Center.

The program helps financially challenged young men and women train for marketable careers and then secure lasting employment.

The Golconda Center can enroll up to 187 students and currently has 165.

Carolyn Hawkins, counseling director, said when a student arrives he or she is tested for adult basic education skills. If reading is a problem, it is addressed. After health tests, aptitude tests are given and the student makes his or her curriculum choice.

The center offers nine specialties: Carpentry, masonry, medical office support, electrical, union painting, urban forestry, culinary, welding and construction craft.

Dormitories are first class, rules are strict and performance is expected.

Friday there will be staff recognition for both former and present staff from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. In the evening a music program with poems will be presented by the student government association.

Saturday's festivities will include a celebration of the 50th Anniversary and a graduation ceremony at 12:30 p.m.

An alumni honor and recognition ceremony will be held in the gym, and a reception in the culinary arts building will follow.