Rep. Scholten Applauds Court’s Decision to Block Job Corps Pause, Calls for Full Compliance from Department of Labor

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Hillary Scholten (MI-03) applauded a federal court ruling that blocks the Department of Labor’s abrupt decision to pause operations at Job Corps centers nationwide. The ruling comes after Rep. Scholten and fellow Michigan lawmakers raised serious concerns about the lack of notice, planning, and support for the more than 25,000 students affected across the country, including over 700 in Michigan alone.

On May 29, the Department of Labor announced a “phased pause” of Job Corps operations that disrupted training centers in Kent, Wayne, and Genesee Counties, leaving students and staff without answers or a clear path forward. On June 4, U.S. District Judge Andrew Carter in Manhattan ordered the federal government to maintain existing Job Corps contracts and continue operations at Job Corps centers until the court issues a further decision in the case.

“The court’s ruling is an important first step in protecting students and restoring stability to our workforce development pipeline,” said Rep. Scholten. “My office has already heard from concerned constituents who are deeply worried about what the Job Corps closure would mean for their futures. Now we need a clear commitment from the Department of Labor that they will honor this decision, withdraw the pause, and stop leaving these students in limbo.” 

In a letter sent earlier this week to Secretary of Labor Chavez-DeRemer, Rep. Scholten and her colleagues called for the immediate reversal of the pause and demanded answers on how the Department planned to support students, staff, and local workforce partners impacted by the sudden shutdown.

“The Job Corps program is an investment in our nation’s future. We can’t allow our young adults to think who they are today is all they have the potential to be,” said Brian Burnett, Gerald R. Ford Job Corps Center Director Brian Burnett. “Job Corps allows young adults to discover their potential, refine social skills, and utilize their ambition in positive ways. It is the jewel across the country that continues to give hope to individuals that are considered to be hopeless. Those who complete the Job Corps rigorous program find they have become hopeful. That is worth the investment and is a priceless return.”

Rep. Scholten will continue working closely with the Gerald R. Ford Job Corps Center and local officials. She will monitor the Department’s response to ensure full compliance with the court’s decision and lasting support for Job Corps students and staff across Michigan.

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