U.S. Department of Labor to Pause Job Corps Center Operations Nationwide by June 30, 2025
Major Restructuring of Job Corps Program Announced
The US Department of Labor has announced a phased stop in operations at all contractor-operated Job Corps locations countrywide, which will end on June 30, 2025.
This decision was made following an internal review that revealed substantial concerns about the program’s performance, safety, and financial viability.
Financial and Operational Challenges
In Program Year (PY) 2024, the Job Corps program incurred a $140 million deficit. The deficit is expected to reach $213 million by PY 2025.
The average annual cost per student was $80,284.65, bringing the total cost per graduate to $155,600.74. Post-program earnings for participants averaged $16,695 yearly.
Safety Concerns and Incident Reports
In fiscal year 2023, the program received 14,913 complaints of significant incidents, which included
372 incidents of unwanted sexual behavior and sexual assault.
1,764 incidents of violence.