Closure of Phoenix Job Corps Center Leaves Students Scrambling
In a surprising turn of events, over 200 students at the Phoenix Job Corps Center were abruptly informed that their vocational training program would be closing. This sudden announcement has left many low-income students, who also relied on the program for housing, facing uncertainty. The closure is part of cuts initiated by the Trump administration.
The Job Corps program, managed by the U.S. Department of Labor since the 1960s, offers free training in various skilled trades to young people aged 16 to 24. It supports around 25,000 students across more than 120 campuses nationwide, many of whom come from challenging backgrounds, such as homelessness or foster care.
Located in downtown Phoenix, the center serves approximately 250 students, with the majority residing on campus without charge. Following the Department of Labor’s recent announcement to halt Job Corps operations, students were informed that they needed to vacate the premises within the week.
“I’ve been here for almost a year, I worked so hard. I don’t even really have anywhere to go. They just don’t care. They really don’t care,” expressed 18-year-old Yehsenia Tapia, overwhelmed with emotion as she packed her belongings.
Former instructor Juanita Montalbo reported that staff are in a rush to assist students in securing employment, housing, or other necessary resources. “Things have just been moving so fast, and it’s unfair for them. You need to give them more time so that they can plan, you know? What are they going to do?” she remarked, having resigned earlier due to fears of repercussions for protesting the closure.
The specific number of layoffs resulting from the closure in Phoenix remains unclear. Additionally, students are uncertain about receiving the typical $1,200 transition pay awarded upon program completion.
The Department of Labor has decided to suspend operations at all Job Corps centers by June 30, citing financial challenges and safety concerns, including reports of violence on campuses. “A startling number of serious incident reports and our in-depth fiscal analysis reveal the program is no longer achieving the intended outcomes that students deserve,” stated Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer. “We remain committed to ensuring all participants are supported through this transition and connected with the resources they need to succeed as we evaluate the program’s possibilities.”
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