Projo Biz Blog

By Lisa Vernon-Sparks
Journal staff writer

EXETER, R.I. -- Hours before President Obama delivered his "back to school" address, students at the Exeter Job Corps Tuesday morning met U.S. Labor Secretary Hilda Solis, who visited classrooms and listened to their stories.

Solis, joined by U.S. Sen. Jack Reed, and Congressmen James Langevin and Patrick Kennedy, toured the sprawling facility following an invitation by Reed to Solis, shortly after she was appointed, asking her to tour the best Job Corps center in America.

"I came here essentially because I wanted to keep my commitment to the Senator [Reed] to visit you in Rhode Island ... just by coincidence we are going to hear that fantastic message by the president," Solis said to students before she watched Obama's address with them.

"We want to continue the legacy...and part of that is by investing in you...so you have every opportunity to compete when you finish the program to get those jobs, or complete your education...those opportunities we solidly support. I am excited about what I see on the ground floor here."

The group went room by room, randomly asking students, many who were unaware of her visit, about their personal challenges and interests. Solis noted that many of the skills the students were acquiring, in health care, information technology and green technology are now the major job growth sectors. She added, the president has set aside million of dollars to fund Job Corps programs.

The Exeter Job Corps Academy is a residential youth development program and provides job training and a free education. The center serves about 200 students between the ages of 16 and 24.

Students on Tuesday were nearly giddy about the chance to hear the president deliver a message especially for them.

"I think President Obama was very honest, especially about what he said about the bad kids that they could help themselves be better,'' said Lee Stanzione, 18, of East Providence. Stanzione is studying to become a certified nursing assistant. "I thought I was listening to a role model. One day I'll be on top like him."

 Tags  economy education Exeter jobs President Obama U.S. Labor Secretary

Leave a comment

Name:

Email:

URL:  

Remember personal info?

Captcha:

Type the characters you see in the picture above.