All 99 U.S. Job Corps Centers to Close by June

The U.S. Department of Labor will pause operations at all 99 Job Corps centers nationwide by June 30, 2025, citing low graduation rates, a financial deficit exceeding $140 million, and nearly 15,000 serious incidents reported in the past year. This move, tied to the administration’s latest budget proposal, will displace tens of thousands of at-risk students—including many who are low-income, unhoused, or have aged out of foster care—and result in significant job losses for staff. Federal officials claim to be working with local partners to support affected students, but many fear immediate homelessness and loss of educational opportunities. Community leaders, educators, and lawmakers nationwide have condemned the closures, highlighting Job Corps' historical role as a lifeline for vulnerable youth. The decision reflects a shift in federal workforce investment priorities. Calls for reconsideration or for additional support measures for displaced students are growing.