🚨Urgent Action Needed for Job Corps

We are very concerned by the recent announcement regarding the shutdown of Job Corps campuses across the nation. As the largest residential career training and education program, Job Corps has been a lifeline for tens of thousands of young people aged 16 to 24, providing them with essential skills, industry-recognized credentials, and opportunities to build a brighter future.

The Department of Labor’s decision to close Job Corps centers threatens not only the programs but also the futures of young people who rely on these resources to secure sustainable careers that enable them to support their families and become thriving members of our community. Job Corps’ building trades programs serve as a critical pipeline for these individuals, offering life-changing opportunities through education and vocational training.

This decision also puts at risk over 4,500 students who were homeless before joining the program. These young individuals have found stability, education, and hope within the walls of Job Corps, and now they face an uncertain future once again.

Job Corps has a proven track record of helping students earn high school diplomas or equivalents and acquire the social and employability skills necessary for successful careers, military service, apprenticeships, and further education. Comprehensive studies show that participation in Job Corps leads to increased earnings and a reduced reliance on public assistance. Importantly, recent data underscores the program’s effectiveness in transforming lives and contributing positively to the nation’s workforce, contrasting with outdated justifications for the shutdown.

As members of IUPAT, we must stand together to advocate for these young people who deserve every chance to succeed. We encourage the administration and our colleagues to include Job Corps funding in all budget bills to ensure this vital program is maintained now and into the future.

Let’s raise our voices for Job Corps and the countless individuals it serves. Together, we can make a difference! Please take a moment to click the link below to have your voice heard!

🔗IUPAT Action Alert: Save Job Corps!