Article Summary –
The U.S. Department of Labor plans to pause operations at 99 Job Corps centers, including those in Michigan, citing safety, cost, and performance issues, despite a temporary restraining order delaying the closures. Job Corps, a long-standing federal program providing vocational training and support to at-risk youth, faces opposition from students, contractors, and lawmakers who argue that the closure violates congressional processes and could severely impact the lives of vulnerable young people. Community leaders and former students are rallying to support those affected, highlighting the essential role Job Corps plays in providing opportunities and reducing unemployment and homelessness.
The future of a vital trade program for disadvantaged youth is uncertain as the U.S. Department of Labor plans to suspend its operations.
The agency has set a June 30 deadline to “pause” activities at 99 contractor-operated Job Corps centers, including three in Michigan. In a press release, Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer cited safety, cost, and performance issues behind the decision.
A federal judge initially issued and then extended a temporary restraining order stopping the “phased pause” until June 25. Without a further extension, Job Corps facilities might soon close.
Job Corps, a federal program offering free vocational training, food, and housing for at-risk youth aged 16-24, was established in 1964 under President Lyndon B. Johnson’s “War on Poverty.” Over six decades, Job Corps has expanded to over 120 sites and trained millions in fields like manufacturing and healthcare.
Students, laborers, and lawmakers have expressed outrage over the Trump administration’s latest initiative to cut back social safety programs.
On June 3, Job Corps contractors filed a lawsuit against the Labor Department, claiming it overstepped its authority by trying to end a federally funded program without congressional approval. A group of Job Corps students, including two from Michigan, filed another lawsuit on June 18, arguing the Department bypassed Congress-set procedures for closing Job Corps. Judge Andrew L. Carter Jr. ordered the closures paused, with both cases aiming to keep Job Corps operational.
Four Democratic Michigan lawmakers — Hillary Scholten, Kristen McDonald Rivet, Shri Thanedar, and Rashida Tlaib — wrote to Chavez-DeRemer on June 2 about the sudden disruption affecting both students and staff.
Although closures were set for month’s end, students and staff at Michigan Job Corps sites in Flint, Grand Rapids, and Detroit were told to leave immediately. The Michigan Independent sought comments from these centers but received no response.
Labor Department data indicates approximately 25,000 students were affected, with over 700 in Michigan. Many students have faced homelessness, aged out of foster care, or dropped out of high school, according to the National Job Corps Association.
Grand Rapids Mayor David LaGrand urged the Trump administration to reconsider closing the Gerald R. Ford Job Corps Center.
“This abrupt closure will severely impact vulnerable youth, potentially increasing unemployment and homelessness in our community,” he said. “I urge reconsideration of this damaging step, as even a temporary loss will create a void in our efforts to empower youth and build a just future.”
Local officials and community members in Michigan support Job Corps students and staff facing upheaval without the program.
John Roach, spokesperson for Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, reported 19 displaced Job Corps students in Detroit needing housing due to the abrupt shutdown.
Following the temporary restraining order, Job Corps recalled students to their locations. Roach stated the city is collaborating with community partners to find job and training opportunities for those unable to return.
Detroiter Mariyah Louis, a former Job Corps student, created a Facebook group and GoFundMe to support affected youth. The GoFundMe aims to raise $12,000 for essentials like toiletries and household goods.
“I know firsthand the importance of Job Corps as a second chance,” Louis wrote. “It provided me tools, support, and opportunities for a better future. It’s heartbreaking that others might not get that chance.”
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