For nearly a year, I had the privilege of working at Job Corps as my practicum site, engaging with countless youth and young adults who relied on this program as a critical launching pad for their future. I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative impact that Job Corps has on individuals seeking education and vocational training. The program offers not just an opportunity but also a sense of hope and direction for many. The proposed closure of Job Corps is not just the shuttering of a facility—it threatens to dismantle a vital support system that empowers our youth and strengthens our workforce.

For nearly 70 years, Job Corps, a free education and training program that helps young people learn a career, earn a high school diploma or equivalent, and find and keep a good job, has been pivotal in the lives of numerous young adults. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Job Corps has helped more than 3 million young people since its inception. This is a crucial resource for disadvantaged youth who otherwise may not have the same access to quality education and skills training.

The imminent closure of this program would have detrimental effects on the youth who depend on it.  Already, hundreds, if not thousands, of young adults have been relocated to shelters across the country due to shelter insecurities and/or an unsafe and unpredictable home environment to return. We are at risk of losing crucial opportunities for young adults striving to better themselves through education and skill-building. This program not only prepares young individuals for the workforce but also instills in them a sense of pride, independence, and confidence.

It is essential to bring awareness to the proposed closure and foster support from a broad range of society—whether you are an educator, employer, community leader, or concerned citizen, your voice matters in this fight to preserve Job Corps. The closure could lead to increased unemployment rates and a decline in skilled labor, negatively impacting our economy in the long run.

I urge you to join this cause to stop the closure of Job Corps. By raising awareness and showing our collective support, we can advocate for the continuation of this invaluable program. The future of our young people and the strength of our workforce depend on it. Please sign this petition to help keep Job Corps open and continue to provide life-changing opportunities for our youth.