Trump Administration Plans Nationwide Job Corps Center Closures by 2025 Impacting Tens of Thousands

The U.S. Department of Labor announced a phased pause of operations at contractor-operated Job Corps centers nationwide by June 30, 2025, affecting 99 of the 123 centers serving around 45,000 low-income youth aged 16 to 24. The program, established in 1964 as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson's War on Poverty, provides education, vocational training, housing, and healthcare, but the Trump administration justified the shutdown citing budget concerns, safety issues, and low graduation and employment outcomes. The decision has sparked outrage from communities, students, and legal experts who argue the administration's actions are unlawful and bypass Congress, which holds funding authority for Job Corps. Local organizations and officials are stepping in to support affected youth, though many face homelessness and insecurity as centers close abruptly. Reports highlight serious incidents within the program, including violence and safety breaches, but critics emphasize the program’s critical role in providing stability and career pathways for vulnerable populations. The closures leave a significant void in workforce development for working-class youth and raise questions about the future of federal support for such social programs.