Job Corps Centers Face Closure Amid Deficit Concerns
NEW ORLEANS — In a shocking announcement, the U.S. Department of Labor has mandated the suspension of operations for all Job Corps centers by the end of the month, citing a projected $213 million deficit as part of a review aligning with the Trump administration’s goals. This decision has left many, including Edna Karr graduate Chasity Jolla, dismayed, as the program serves as a lifeline for at-risk youth aged 16-24.
Jolla found her path through Job Corps, completing a medical assistant program and earning critical credentials. "I’m very blessed," she said, but lamented the missed opportunities for her peers. New Orleans Job Corps Director Ken James spoke out at City Hall, emphasizing the program’s importance and its ability to provide free training in fields like electrical work and culinary arts.
Local lawmakers, including Representative Troy Carter, called the closure a "short-sighted, devastating blow," while Senator Bill Cassidy has reached out to discuss its implications. With funding secured through 2026, James and others hope to challenge the decision in court, with a hearing scheduled for June 17. As they fight for the future of the program, many students fear losing the support that helped them discover their passions.
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