My daughter went to job corps, different sights offer various training programs and work skills, if you do not have a hs diploma then I believe you work on your GED. The program is somewhat strict, and can be beneficial IF the person wants to be there. I researched it fully about 7 years ago. I would not say that my daughters training (accounting) prepared her for a job making a liveable wage, it was not enough training however, I can say that my daughter did not want to be there. There is an opportunity for college studies, if a person is motivated, the real problem is with the partcipants, most are not motivated or structured enough for college, they lack the drive it takes to succeed. Of course there a a few who do utilize the program and make every opportunity count but that is few and far between. Not all programs offer the same vocational training so your child may go to a place that is far away. There are a mixture of races that attend, but caucasion kids seemed to be in the minority at the places my daughter looked at before choosing her program, this did not matter to us, but it was kind of a culture shock, lots of kids had criminal records, and almost all were from homes below the poverty level.
The program it self has many rules, as to curfew, chores and attendance for school or work, if the partcipant doesnt want to follow the rules and acts out, they will not be allowed to stay. All in all it was not a bad experiance and I can see where it would help someone who really wanted to change and take advantage of the program has to offer, so it would really be up to your child and what he/she wants to make of it.
