Our History

The Job Challenge Program, officially established, in September 1999, is offered at the Gillis W. Long Center in Carville, Louisiana.

The history of Gillis Long Center is rich in humanitarian and educational endeavors, and exceeds the Governor’s intent regarding excellence in training and education of at risk youth.

The Job Challenge Program is a 90-day residential trade skill training program designed as a follow-up to the Louisiana Youth Challenge Program (YCP).

The Job Challenge Program enables a select group of cadets who have graduated from the Youth Challenge Program with exemplary ratings from the cadre, teachers, and counselors to participate in one of several areas of skill training.

The program consists of arboriculture, carpentry, culinary arts, emergency medical technology, fire fighting, heavy equipment, landscape and turf management, masonry,  welding.

The Job Challenge Program curriculum combines educational excellence, General Equivalency Diploma (PRE GED) classroom work, drivers training, ASVAB testing, ACT testing, OSHA certification, community service, skill training and individual/team activities into one unique and invaluable experience, which enables participants to effectively compete in today's job market.

The nine core components of the Job Challenge Program (life-coping skills, leadership/follower ship, educational excellence, job trade skills, responsible citizenship, work ethic/employability; physical fitness; health, hygiene and sex education, community involvement projects) are stressed throughout the program to encourage further personal growth and development