The Talking Leaves Job Corps Center opened its doors on October 18, 1978. The center was formerly housed at Northeastern State University’s Loeser Hall. As the enrollment grew and the need for dorm space increased, TLJC moved to the Cherokee Nation in 1988 and later onto their current facility in 1994. 

Today, TLJC enjoys a campus currently serving 197 students and recently received a new five-year contract to continue serving students and assist them in becoming employable for the workforce and equipped for higher education. 

For more than four decades, Job Corps has made a difference in the lives of more than 2.6 million economically disadvantaged young Americans. Through a willingness to embrace and welcome change, this voluntary education and job training program continues to offer innovative career technical, academic, and social skills training to students at 121 centers nationwide.

TLJC has open enrollment and is currently taking applications. For more information or to apply call 918-456-9959.

Train
Youth train for a career and gain the skills necessary for a successful future. Talking Leaves Job Corps Center offers career training programs in six fields. All of our training programs are hands-on, so students can practice skills on the job in real work environments. As students graduate, they'll have the skills and credentials needed to start their career.

• Clinical Medical Assistant
• Culinary Arts
• Electrical Wiring
• Building Construction Technology
• Certified Nursing Assistant/Home Health Aide
• Office Administration

Campus Life
Students have access to everything they need at Talking Leaves Job Corps Center, including housing, basic medical care, and food. Most students live at the center in dorms, but a student may be non-resident students and commute to campus each day.

• Dorms
  • Male dorm and female dorms
  • Four students per room
  • Private bathrooms
  • Lounges with TVs
  • Computer labs
  • Laundry facilities
  • Independent-living advisers
• Full-service cafeteria
• Store with snacks and other essentials
• Wellness center for basic medical needs

Academics
There are tutors and academic support in:

• Reading
• Math
• High School Diploma Program 
• High School Equivalency Program
• English Language Learning

Higher Education
College partners:

• Northeastern State University
• Indian Capital Technology Center

Life Skills
Career preparation courses:

• Driver Education
• Employability Skills
• Independent-Living Skills
• Social Skills

Environmentally Friendly Practices:

• Green job skills
• Recycling
• Reducing energy use

Recreation Activities

• Basketball
• Horseshoes
• Volleyball

Clubs

• Native Voices
• Student Government Association

Entertainment
On-center activities:

• Arts and crafts
• Dances
• Foosball
• Games
• Movies
• Music
• Ping-Pong
• Pool tables
• Reading
• Talent shows
• Video games

Off-center activities:

• Movie theaters
• Shopping
• Sporting events

Community Service

• CASA of Cherokee County
• Cherokee County Nursing Center
• Cherokee County Veterans Council
• Cherokee Nation
• Go Ye Village Nursing Home
• Tahlequah Area Chamber of Commerce
• Tahlequah City Hospital
• Tahlequah Public Schools