Bid Farewell to Job Corps? The Federal Government Terminates the Low-Income Youth Training Program

The termination of a job training program leaves thousands of young adults in limbo.

Literally, a vital employment training program’s future was placed on hold. This Monday, the U.S. Department of Labor declared that by June 30th, it will suspend all activities at Job Corps facilities operated by contractors across the country. Both Democratic and Republican lawmakers are already strongly opposing that decision, which impacts thousands of students and employees nationwide.

Established in the 1960s, the work Corps program provides education, technical training, and a chance at a steady work to low-income youth and young adults aged 16 to 24. Yet the program isn’t doing as well as it once did, according to Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer. She cited alarming event reports and a growing budget imbalance, which was $140 million in FY24 alone and is expected to reach $213 million in FY25.

According to the Department of Labor, it will assist students with their departure from the program and pay for their transportation. That, however, is chilly consolation for those who relied on Job Corps to help them develop their futures.

The pause, for the time being, raises a significant question: What will happen to one of the few federally supported training programs that assist underprivileged youth?