U.S. Senators Judd Gregg and John Sununu (R-NH) today announced that a new Job Corps Center in New Hampshire has been approved by the Department of Labor. The Center will be located in Manchester and when completed will serve 500 students, 300 who would live on campus. The center will provide academic assistance, career technical training, high school diplomas, and GED certification with the goal of getting students into the workplace.

Today's announcement serves as the end of the technical site review. The land acquisition phase will begin in March and April. The target date for completion of this project and for students to start attending classes is 2010. Currently, New Hampshire is one of two states nationwide that does not have a Job Corps Center. The New Hampshire Job Corps Center Task Force presented the Department of Labor with a proposal to become the first Homeland Security Job Training Center, serving to provide government agencies, healthcare institutions, high technology companies, manufacturers and transportation and power service institutions with highly trained and motivated individuals.

Senator Gregg, a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, who has been supporting funding for the Job Corps Center through the appropriations process for a number of years, stated, "This is great news for New Hampshire and a significant step forward in providing much needed resources for students statewide. Job Corps Centers are invaluable resources that provide a range of programs and training, helping more individuals get jobs and participate in our state's growing economy. This proposal, to focus New Hampshire's Center on homeland security-related jobs, also demonstrates New Hampshire's innovative spirit of entrepreneurship. It has taken years of hard work at the local and state level, and I commend all those who have worked on this for their dedication, and will continue to work with them to bring this project to fruition."

Senator Sununu, who has worked with state and local officials as part of his longtime advocacy for bringing the Department of Labor program to New Hampshire, stated, "This announcement is great news for New Hampshire students who are looking to become more competitive in today's job market and for businesses across the state that are in need of skilled workers. A Job Corps Center in Manchester will help young people gain access to academic credentials that are essential for launching and maintaining successful careers. Moreover, the fact that this Center is the first of its kind in the country to feature homeland security training and education programs provides an opportunity for students to develop skills in an area that is of great importance to our state and nation. Rather than traveling to Job Corps Centers in other states as some have previously done, students will now be able to prepare for successful careers closer to home. With the ability to earn high school or general equivalency diplomas, and with the opportunity to receive technical training, these students will be prepared to contribute productively to New Hampshires diverse economy."

Manchester Mayor Frank Guinta stated, "I was delighted this morning to receive the fantastic news that the City of Manchester has been awarded a Job Corps Center to be located at Hackett Hill. Thanks to the hard work of Senators Judd Gregg and John Sununu, Mr. Dick Anagnost and the New Hampshire Job Corps Center Task Force, and our own dedicated city staff, we are today poised to play host to a center that will soon produce the educated work force we need for the jobs of tomorrow. This center will also be a great aid in our efforts to lower the school dropout rate. I congratulate everyone involved in this initiative and recommit the support of the City of Manchester for this important project."

New Hampshire Labor Commissioner George Copadis stated, "A New Hampshire Job Corps Center will help attract new companies to New Hampshire while providing our less fortunate young people with a new opportunity to join New Hampshire's workforce. Senator Gregg and Senator Sununu's key roles in this project has served New Hampshire very well, and Governor John Lynch's strong support for alternative programs such as Job Corps has helped in the effort. This announcement is great for business, great for our young people and great for the economy of New Hampshire."

Michael Power, President of the Workforce Opportunity Council stated, "The New Hampshire Job Corps Center will be the most advanced educational and training facility for new workers in the country, and will offer our employers with a new source of trained and educated young workers. The Center will also provide our economically disadvantaged youth with a second chance in life, an opportunity to become proud and productive members of society. Many people have worked for so long for this award, but special thanks have to go to Senators Judd Gregg and John Sununu for their ability to make this facility a reality."

Dick Anagnost, Chair of the New Hampshire Job Corps Task Force stated, "Today's announcement is the result of years of dedicated work by literally hundreds of businesspeople, educators, and elected officials. The Job Corps Task Force is very grateful to Senator Gregg's tenacious work to bring a Job Corps Center to New Hampshire. I would also like to thank Senator John Sununu, who has worked with Senator Gregg to make our Job Corps Center a reality. This facility will specialize in Homeland Security related occupations in health care, high technology and inspection and protections services and be the first of its kind in the nation."