US Harpers Ferry Job Corps

"I went to Harpers Ferry Job Corps back in 2007 and completed my GED. Let me tell you, this program is what you make it. Some staff members will try to help you the best way they know how and others and some staff members won't. Just go there and handle your business and graduate. I'm still friends with people I went to Harpers Ferry JC with till this day. Job Corps is what you make it, make it a positive experience."

"My son was at Job Corp in 2018-2020. It was a terrible experience due to one instructor: Chuck Driscoll. Mr. Driscoll bullied my son, called him vulgar names, snatched tools out of his hands and constantly criticized him. He cursed him and belittled him. My son did learn some masonry skills, but he would have learned so much more if he had had a mature, skilled instructor, instead of childish bully. I think Mr. Driscoll should be fired. He never should have been given a job to work with young men in the first place. If he treats your son or daughter like this, sue him. Let him know you will not tolerate it. He seemed to have the other staff members fooled. When my son tried to talk to someone, they all denied that Mr. Driscoll would behave in such a way. It was a miserable year and a half for my son. But he stuck it out and completed the course."

"In my sincere opinion, anything we try to do in life, worth while, requires that we make every effort to do our part. Job Corp is established to help you excel and overcome your personal obstacles. If one would approach the Job Corp opportunity with respect and discipline the staff will support you in reaching your realistic goals."

"I attended in '08 idk if things have changed, but I will base this on my experience at Harper's Ferry. Pro- Three meals a day, ged or hsd if needed, a learned trade, decent staff (not great), gym, place to sleep, medical care (sorta), an allowance ($10-25 bi/wk), select friendships, references, guidance (if liked well enough by staff), and a separation check for completing the program. Cons- old facility with barbwire fences (looked like a detention center), and they literally will take anyone. Them taking anyone leads to many issues. Many of the students are from rougher backgrounds and bring it with them. I've seen people jumped, robbed, city rivalries (DC,bmore, and ny) fights, drug exchanges, sexual acts, and the list goes on. Really isn't a safe environment if you're mentally weak. I will say I've learned a lot about life through job corps... Not everything is easy or safe, and in many cases we ended up there because of mistakes in our past and didn't make it in a normal school setting or had family issues. Idk if other sites are any better, but harpers Ferry is a bad example of the program. If you are weak it'll feel like forever. However, if you show focus, and on path you'll show the staff you're serious and they will help you. I received many leads after job corps. Also, this is a hunting ground for military personnel. They will probably get you to take the asvap test and come and find you if you've done well. If you can help it DON'T SEND anyone you care about to this location. Try others and see if it's fine, but I would check the location first"

"My son attended Job Corps in Harpers Ferry, WV. He already had his high school diploma so the whole experience was a waste of time. It appears that they really don't know what to do with you if you are not in need of a GED. In the end he received a pre- apprenticeship certificate in concrete which is good for nothing, because you still have to do an apprenticeship somewhere."