Written By Lexx Thornton
Job Corps is the largest nationwide residential career training program in the country and has been operating for more than 50 years. The program helps eligible young people ages 16 through 24 complete their high school education, trains them for meaningful careers, and assists them with obtaining employment. This week, the United States Department of Labor announced plans to close all Job Corps facilities nationwide, citing significant financial challenges.
Operations at all centers will be paused by June 30th, the Department said. Operations at all centers will be paused by June 30th, the Department said. However, staff on the ground at the Treasure Island location states that their students have been given an out date ofJune 6th, not June 30th.A staff member explains that the closure process has not been orderly, and they say rushing students out of the facilities could be harmful, as some have no place else togo. As they scramble to find places for the youth to go, the staff is also navigating the idea of being jobless in a very tough economy.
“I think most of us are so focused on the trainee’s safety that we have not even had time top rocess this for ourselves. Some people have worked here over 20 years, as this center has been open for 40,”the staff member said. She says the staff and students are hurting and feel as though their community is being ripped away from them.