Federal cuts could have a lasting impact on at-risk youth as the U.S. Department of Labor moves to pause operations at Job Corps centers nationwide, citing funding constraints and an internal review of the program’s outcomes.
As the nation’s largest free residential education and job training program for people ages 16 to 24, Job Corps has long provided a lifeline for at-risk youth and local employers. But the federal government is proposing to suspend operations and layoff staff, despite Congress allocating more than $1.7 billion for Job Corps in the new program year.
Job Corps backers in New York state are pushing back at the proposed cuts, taking steps to save local job corps and calling on lawmakers to step in.
Organizers with the Cassadaga Guardians of the Hill, a union in Chautauqua County, held an event Monday aimed at keeping the Cassadaga Job Corps from shutting down.
The union says the move would leave young people in the area homeless, without a path toward career training. Union President Jake Brock countered the U.S. Department of Labor's position that the success rate of Job Corps is low.
"At Cassadaga, I can only speak for our numbers, we have almost a 90% completion rate and a 90% placement rate with students after they finish our program," Brock said.
The move to halt operations has sparked bipartisan opposition in Congress and concern among local leaders in New York state, who warn that closing Job Corps centers will leave young people and communities without critical support.
“We have drawn on Job Corps workers for well over a decade to supplement our full-time workforce,” said David VanLuven, supervisor for the Town of Bethlehem, located in Albany County. “It’s hard work, long days and we need the help.”
Last week, a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order, halting the closures and allowing students to return to training, at least for now. A hearing is scheduled for June 17 to determine the program’s future.
As the debate continues, advocates and local officials urge the federal government to reverse course and preserve this essential resource for America’s at-risk youth.
Monday's crowd in Western New York left Brock feeling encouraged and dedicated to fulfilling what he said was Job Corps' central mission: working with young adults.
“It gives them hope. It gives them a place. It gives them job training. It gets them out to be taxpayers. It helps at all levels,” Brock said.