Judge Blocks Closure of Job Corps Program
A federal judge in New York has intervened to protect the Job Corps program, a vital resource for low-income youth, by granting a preliminary injunction against the U.S. Department of Labor’s plans to shut it down. This decision comes as a lawsuit is underway to challenge the department’s actions.
The injunction builds on an earlier ruling by U.S. District Judge Andrew Carter, who ordered the Labor Department to halt any efforts to remove students from Job Corps centers and avoid making any operational changes without approval from Congress. Established in 1964, Job Corps provides essential services such as housing, job training, meals, and health care to young people who may struggle in traditional education settings.
Judge Carter emphasized that once Congress mandates the existence of a program like Job Corps and allocates funding, the Labor Department must adhere to those federal requirements. In his view, the department’s recent claims that it was simply pausing operations rather than closing centers were misleading.
The Labor Department had announced in May its intention to halt operations at all contractor-operated Job Corps centers, citing poor outcomes and high costs. However, the judge pointed out that the department was indeed attempting to close these centers and the impact on students could be severe. Many of these young adults, already in precarious situations, risk losing the progress they’ve made in their lives.
One student involved in the lawsuit highlighted the precarious situation facing those in the program. Without Job Corps, she could lose the chance to earn a culinary arts certificate and face homelessness. This reflects the real struggles many participants encounter when confronted with sudden cuts to services they depend on.
As the department prepares to stop operations, students have already begun to feel the effects, with some moving into shelters as they seek stability. Edward DeJesus, head of Social Capital Builders, noted that for young people striving to change their lives, the abrupt disruption is detrimental.
In response to the department’s plans, the National Job Corps Association, representing businesses and educational organizations, filed a lawsuit to halt the service suspension. The legal action has garnered support from the attorneys general of 20 states.
Testimonies from former participants, like Monet Campbell from Connecticut, illustrate the program’s transformative impact. Having once lived in a shelter, Campbell has since gained her certifications through Job Corps and is now pursuing further education in nursing. She credits the program for helping her rebuild her life and gain self-confidence.
There are currently 123 Job Corps centers across the United States, primarily run by private organizations under Labor Department contracts, serving over 20,000 students. The recent uncertainty has left many young people feeling anxious about their future as the program’s viability hangs in the balance.
