South Bronx Jobs Corps Center faces potential shutdown
Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Labor announced a phased pause in operations at 99 contractor-operated Job Corps centers nationwide, including the South Bronx Jobs Corps Center.
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Many South Bronx Job Corps Center students' futures hang in a balance, as they wait to find out whether the Trump administration will be successful in shutting down their program – one that has provided housing, job opportunities and financial security for over 50 years.
Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Labor announced a phased pause in operations at 99 contractor-operated Job Corps centers nationwide, including the South Bronx Jobs Corps Center. According to the Department of Labor, after an internal review was conducted, it was concluded that the program was costly and had a low success rate. As a result, students living on the campus were asked to pack their things and leave, given a notice only one day prior.
Yasmeen Mack says her daughter Makayla, was a part of the recent wave of students affected by the change, recalling seeing her daughter standing outside of the program building with her belongings in garbage bags .
"There [were] hundreds of kids outside of this building here, all of their items in suitcases and plastic bags," said Yasmeen. "It was just very disheartening."
Yasmeen said since the move-out two weeks ago, her daughter, who had been training to receive her medical assistant certificate, has been "depressed" and discouraged, living in an uncertainty as to whether she will be able to continue with the program.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, their review also found safety issues at the residential campuses including reports of drug use and acts of violence. Pending a preliminary injunction hearing scheduled for June 17, the Department of Labor says they will officially transition Job Corps students and staff out of the locations by June 30.
"This is affecting hundreds of thousands of youths, and especially at-risk youth," said Yasmeen, who called the program “live saving.”
Should the preliminary injunction be successful, the South Bronx Youth Job Corps Center, and other Jobs Corps will be able to continue to keep their doors open and remain operational.
