Overview

• The Labor Department announced on May 29 that it would phase out 99 Job Corps centers nationwide, citing cost overruns, low graduation rates and safety incidents.
• U.S. District Judge Andrew Carter issued a temporary restraining order on June 4 blocking any shutdown actions and ordering a court hearing to resolve the dispute.
• The National Job Corps Association and affiliated contractors contend the administration bypassed statutory procedures and lacks authority to dismantle a congressionally funded program.
• Nearly 200 House members and senators from both parties have publicly opposed the shutdown, and lawmakers pressed Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer during a House committee hearing.
• Established in 1964, Job Corps serves about 25,000 disadvantaged youth with free education, vocational training and housing, and supporters warn closures would displace thousands.