I've been in a rough patch lately. Finally got internet access back, but so far only tethering through my phone with Sprint. In two weeks I'll be going into Job Corp for computer repair and getting my GED so I can be fully eligible to join the Navy. Reason for this being that when I was living at my old house, I was finishing my high school diploma through another program, but had to end up moving out by the time I had 4 credits left. A year and a half wasted.
I'm not homeless, but for those saying that the thread is misleading because homeless people don't have internet is ignorant. There are people that could be potentially homeless and are looking for other solutions. And Job Corp is NOT only for people without any kind of diploma. It's for people who need some kind of training and Job experience.
So far, I only have experience with getting into Job Corp, but the process is fairly simple.
The first thing they made me do was take an online test (kind of stupid if people don't have internet to use). From there, I waited for a phone call back to come and talk to the counselor. She basically gave me a run-down of what they do in the program, and it's fairly easy. The only thing you're expected to do is get your GED/Diploma (if necessary), do your share of the chores that need to be done around campus and just don't get into trouble (NO DRUGS). It's not advised you bring anything other than what you absolutely need (ie clothes).
You are fed, have a place to sleep, you get basic medical care and after about a month of being on campus for an "evaluation period" to see if you can really take being in that kind of environment, you are allowed to go home on the weekends (or go out; curfew is around 9:45 for the campus I am going to). You also get a clothing allowance and a paycheck on top of that. It's not much, but it'll get you things you absolutely need. It's probably better if you have some kind of checking or savings account to deposit into.
(Ask a recruiter if this is still the standard for this next part)
If you're in a position like I am where you want to join the military, but can't because of your lack of GED/Diploma, I would not go for a Diploma. The diploma is apparently not accredited and is not considered an A+ school by the military or government. However, if you do the GED and so many hours of Job Corp, you have been considered to have gotten an equivalent diploma that the military accepts. At least this was the case for me 2 months ago.
If you're planning to go to college afterwards, most colleges will accept the regular Diploma. (Don't expect to get into Stanford or MIT) Overall, I think the program allows for a lot of benefits as well as teaching you some basic responsibilities and learning how to self disciplined.
