Transportation labor strongly supports the Job Corps and opposes the Trump Administration’s repeated efforts to dismantle this impactful program. For more than 60 years, the Job Corps program has provided a successful non-college pathway to good-paying, high-skilled careers for young Americans. In 2025, the Department of Labor (DOL) attempted to close 99 Job Corps centers across the country and pause operations, which would have effectively shuttered this critical program on which so many young adults and employers rely. Thankfully, the federal court system stayed this effort and upheld the law, which clearly states that a federal agency cannot unilaterally dismantle a congressionally-mandated program like Job Corps.
In response to the Administration’s attempt to dismantle the program, Congress reiterated its broad bipartisan support for the program in a letter to DOL; we are grateful to Congressional Job Corps Caucus Co-Chairs Sanford Bishop (GA-2) and Brett Guthrie (KY-2) for leading this effort and to the 199 members of Congress who signed the letter. Congress subsequently passed a measure providing federal funding for Job Corps operations through at least June 30, 2027, and included provisions to prevent unilateral closure of Job Corps centers.
Historically, Job Corps has enjoyed strong support from lawmakers, small businesses, and labor groups. Partnerships with unions ensure Job Corps training directly meets the needs of manufacturers, shipbuilders, and other essential industries. Across the country, there are thousands of success stories of students who graduated from Job Corps with workforce skills, higher education, and subsequent job placements. Our nation’s investment in Job Corps not only expands our skilled workforce, but it also ensures these young Americans are less likely to be involved in the criminal justice system or rely on public assistance.
We urge Congress to ensure this vital program continues to receive the funding and resources necessary to deliver favorable outcomes for students and the industries in which they will work. In addition to maintaining the status quo with predictable, stable funding for Job Corps operations, Congress also has an opportunity to strengthen the program for future generations of students. We call on Congress to take action to address the backlog of Job Corps campus infrastructure projects, reduce facility deficiencies, and ensure Job Corps campuses have the necessary staff, including instructors, counselors, residential advisors, and wellness staff.
In light of the Administration’s repeated efforts to shut down Job Corps, Congressional support for the program remains essential. Congress must continue its broad bipartisan support for this program and recognize the life-changing results that Job Corps has delivered for more than 60 years.
Policy Statement No. S26-04
*ADOPTED 6.7.26*