Job Corps program that puts students in danger, cost taxpayers $1.7B suspended
The Department of Labor has made the decision to suspend operations of Job Corps centers across the nation after a transparency report revealed that the program is failing to achieve its intended outcomes and is putting students in danger. The program, which costs taxpayers more than $1.7 billion per year, was originally created to help young adults build a pathway to a better life through education and community. However, an in-depth fiscal analysis and a high number of serious incident reports have shown that the program is not living up to its goals.
The transparency report, released in April, found that the average graduation rate for the program was just 32%. The average total cost per graduate ranges from $155,600 to $187,653, which is significantly higher than the average cost of a four-year college education in the United States. Additionally, once students complete the program, they are often only able to secure minimum wage positions, with an average annual earnings of $16,695.
The report also highlighted the safety concerns within the program, with 14,913 serious incident reports filed in 2023. Instances of inappropriate sexual behavior, sexual assaults, violence, drug use, and hospital visits for students were all reported. As a result, the Department of Labor has decided to initiate a phased pause in operations at contractor-operated Job Corps centers nationwide.
The suspension will occur by June 30, with the Department of Labor working with state and local workforce partners to assist current students in transitioning to other resources and opportunities. Students will be connected to the American Job Center closest to their home and the Labor Exchange system in their home states.
Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer emphasized that the Department of Labor remains committed to supporting all participants through this transition and connecting them with the resources they need to succeed. The program, which began in 1964 as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s war on poverty, has been operating at a deficit for several years, creating uncertainty for participants and administrators.
While the Department of Labor is not eliminating Job Corps, the pause in operations will allow for a reassessment of the program’s alignment with the Trump administration’s workforce priorities and proposed budget framework. The goal is to build a modern and effective workforce development program for America’s youth.
In conclusion, the suspension of Job Corps centers is a necessary step to address the program’s failures and ensure the safety and success of its participants. The Department of Labor is committed to finding solutions to improve the program and provide better outcomes for young adults seeking to build a better future through education and training.
