"I found the fountain of youth and it is working with kids," explained Dwon Jackson, a workforce preparation specialist on Joint Base Lewis-McChord. "Giving teens the chance to empower themselves is what I love to do."

Jackson, who has spent 18 years working with kids, began empowering young minds at JBLM in 2009 when he helped institute the HIRED! Apprenticeship Program, a mentorship initiative intended to guide teens in choosing a career.

Students in the program work 15 hours a week for three months (for a total of 180 hours) at various offices and services on base. At the conclusion of their apprenticeship, students are given a $500 stipend, but Jackson is quick to point out that these are not paid positions. Furthermore, students are limited to completing only two terms per fiscal year, but teens that start at age 15 have the opportunity to use the program for three years and get an increased stipend.

"Some of the other garrisons with HIRED! use JBLM as a model," Jackson said. Given that JBLM's program has a 100 percent placement rate - which is better than most of the other 50 installations using the program - this is not surprising.

To be in the program, students must be between the ages of 15 and 18; be enrolled in high school (or have an approved home-schooled curriculum); maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA; be a U.S. citizen and be a registered patron of Child, Youth and School Services. Though HIRED! is an Army program, due to joint basing at JBLM it is also open to Air Force dependents as well as the children of DoD civilians.

Some of the most popular JBLM job sites include the Teen Zone, Bowl Arena Lanes, Cascade School Age Services and the Pet Brigade. In fact, many of the sites have gone on to hire the students after the apprenticeship has ended - an additional benefit of the program. Furthermore, some schools will also count the apprenticeship toward any community service requirements for graduation.

The next term will begin in April, and the mandatory training sessions will be held March 26 to 30. The sessions cover a myriad of topics, including dressing for success, interview tips and proper office behavior, all of which are invaluable skills for anyone seeking employment.

"The truth is, it is very hard now for teenagers and young adults to get jobs," Jackson said. "This offers them an edge over other people their age in the workplace."

To learn more or apply for the HIRED! Apprenticeship Program, either visit www.jblmmwr.com/cyss_youth_act.html#hired or call Jackson at (253) 967-4694.