Hawkins, TX – January 29, 2025 – Jarvis Christian University (JCU) is proud to announce a new partnership with the North Texas Job Corps Center (NTJCC), operated by Serrato Corporation, to enhance educational and workforce training opportunities for Job Corps students. Through this collaboration, JCU will deliver academic programing, while Job Corps, under Serrato Corporation’s leadership, will deliver career technical training aligned with Job Corps’ national Training and Achievement Records (TARs) and competencies including other wrap-round services. This partnership is designed to help students seamlessly transition into higher education and the workforce.
This partnership, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), will run from May 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026, with an option for renewal through May 31, 2027. This initiative underscores the shared commitment of JCU, NTJCC and Serrato Corporation to equip students with the skills and credentials needed for long-term career success.
Bridging Education and Workforce Development
Under this agreement, JCU will offer:
- Work-Based Learning (WBL) Opportunities: NTJCC students will gain hands-on experience through career-oriented programs utilizing campus facilities.
- Expedited University Enrollment: Job Corps graduates will have streamlined access to JCU’s associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs.
- Dual Enrollment and College Credit: NTJCC students can take university-level courses and earn credit toward their degrees.
- Housing and Support Services: JCU will provide year-round housing and accommodations for eligible NTJCC students.
JCU President Glenell M. Lee-Pruitt, Ph.D., emphasized the significance of the partnership, stating, “This collaboration strengthens our mission to prepare a diverse population of lifelong learners intellectually, socially, spiritually, and personally through providing interactive serves and using varied modalities of instructional delivery.” Furthermore, it supports our strategic goal of “Transformative education and innovation.”
Remarking on the partnership, Serrato Corporation CEO, Ramon Serrato stated, “At Serrato Corporation, we are committed to empowering young adults with the skills and opportunities needed for lasting career success. Our partnership with Jarvis Christian University enhances our ability to provide both technical training and relevant higher education pathways, fostering critical thinking and lifelong learning. Together, we are shaping the next generation through a unified approach that integrates college education with Workforce Readiness (The Tools), Workforce Resilience (The Psychology), and a contextualized Workforce Education & Training framework.”
Commitment to Equity and Workforce Readiness
The initiative aligns with workforce development priorities, offering training in high-demand fields and supporting students in obtaining industry-recognized credentials to enhance employability. JCU will ensure that Job Corps students have access to inclusive housing, student support services, and reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Serrato Corporation, as the operator of NTJCC, will uphold academic and training standards, ensuring students gain the skills required for competitive job placement. The partnership will also foster pathways for continued workforce development, including potential expansion of Job Corps training facilities in East Texas.
Looking Ahead
As JCU, NTJCC, and Serrato Corporation implement this initiative, both institutions will explore additional opportunities for collaboration, including:
- Transportation assistance for students traveling to JCU.
- Cost-effective housing and meal plans for training participants.
- Enhanced employer partnerships to strengthen workforce opportunities.
For more information about this partnership and the opportunities it provides, please contact the Jarvis Christian University Division of Institutional Advancement & Development at 903.730.4890 ext. 3003 or via email at advancement@jarvis.edu.
About Jarvis Christian University
Jarvis Christian University, located in Hawkins, Texas, is a historically Black liberal arts institution affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), offering degrees at the associate, baccalaureate and master’s level. The mission of the University is to prepare a diverse population of lifelong learners intellectually, socially, spiritually, and personally through providing interactive services and using varied modalities of instructional delivery.
About North Texas Job Corps Center (NTJCC) and Serrato Corporation
Operated by Serrato Corporation, NTJCC is a federally funded program that provides free career technical training and education to eligible young adults, helping them develop skills for meaningful employment and self-sufficiency. NTJCC is operated by Serrato Corporation, a leading workforce development and education services provider, committed to delivering high-quality training and career readiness programs across the nation.
