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Closure of Six Job Corps Facilities in the Southeastern US

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Closed Job Corps facility with empty classrooms

News Summary

The U.S. Department of Labor is shutting down six Job Corps facilities in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia by the end of June due to financial losses and increased crime rates. The closures will affect thousands of enrolled students and come as the department faces a projected budget deficit. While critics argue the metrics used may not reflect the challenges post-COVID-19, these closures indicate a significant shift in government support for at-risk youth.

Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Labor has announced the imminent closure of six Job Corps facilities across Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia due to substantial financial losses and rising crime rates. The closures are set to be completed by the end of June, impacting thousands of students currently enrolled in the vocational training program designed to support at-risk youth.

The decision comes as the Department of Labor revealed it operates at a staggering loss of over $1 billion annually, with each participant costing approximately $80,000. However, the Job Corps program has struggled to maintain a successful graduation rate, which currently stands at only 39 percent.

According to department reports, more than 14,000 criminal incidents have been reported at Job Corps locations nationwide in recent years. These incidents include around 2,700 cases of drug use, over 300 sexually related crimes, and approximately 1,700 violent acts. Such alarming statistics contributed significantly to the decision to suspend operations at the affected facilities.

The six facilities that will cease operations include: Marion in Kentucky, Flatwoods in Wise County, Virginia, Jacob’s Creek in Bristol, Tennessee, Cherokee in North Carolina, Pine Knot in Kentucky, and the administrative offices located in Johnson City, Tennessee. These closures are part of a broader shutdown of a total of 99 Job Corps facilities across the country.

Amidst the shutdowns, the Department of Labor is making arrangements to relocate about 25,000 currently enrolled students back to their home states. The department has committed to assisting these students to access educational and employment resources, which may include transferring them to other educational programs or providing career counseling.

The closures come in response to a projected budget deficit for the Job Corps program, which is anticipated to grow to $213 million in the coming year. The decision has sparked concern among congressional members from both parties, emphasizing the program’s historical significance in providing vital workforce training and support to disadvantaged youth since its inception under President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964.

Critics of the closure decisions argue that the metrics used by the Department of Labor do not fully capture the challenges that Job Corps programs have faced, particularly in recovering from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. They contend that the pandemic disrupted operations and enrollment, which skewed the performance data that led to these conclusions.

Amid these challenges, the Job Corps program has long been recognized as a crucial part of federal efforts to enhance employment opportunities for young people, guiding many toward successful careers through vocational training and mentorship. The upcoming closures signal a significant shift in how the government will approach supporting at-risk youth as it grapples with budget constraints and safety concerns.

As operations wind down at these facilities, the future of the Job Corps program remains uncertain, leaving many stakeholders to reassess how best to serve and support the needs of young people across the nation.

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