The National Job Corps Oratory competition held at the Policy Forum, produced a winner from Wasilla this morning.

Megan Dauphinee edged out the other competitors to take first prize at the 2012 event. In a compitition themed, “Job Corps Works…And it Works for Me Too!” Participants shared life stories, limited to five minutes or less, of their life before Job Corps and then related how Job Corps affected their situation and outlook. Participants submitted their stories on YouTube in mid-December.

Selections were made from the submissions and a select few few were chosen to speak before an audience of about three hundred at the forum this morning. Megan made that cut and took home the $1,500 scholarship and recognition from the crowd.

“Today is an important reminder that solid, positive results can come from very dire circumstances – and Megan Dauphinee is proof of that,” said Murkowski. “Despite losing two family members at age 14 and succumbing to substance abuse, her drive and determination helped her overcome a challenging adolescence. I was thrilled to be able to be among the first to congratulate her first place finish.”

“Megan’s speech was a very courageous and honest reminder of the crucial role Job Corps plays in the lives of more than 60,000 students every year,” said LaVera Leonard, President of the National Job Corps Association. “Because of its unique model, Job Corps works for taxpayers, employers, communities and at-risk youth.”

The Department of Labor administers the Job Corps program. The program offers education and training free of charge to at-risk youth ages 16-24. This includes job placement, residential housing, food service, driver’s education, health and dental care and a weekly basic living and clothing allowance.

The Job Corps was initiated by Johnson Administration as a central program in his War on Poverty.