WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor has announced it will begin a phased pause in operations at all contractor-operated Job Corps centers nationwide, including Atterbury Job Corps, initiating an orderly transition for students, staff, and local communities.
The decision follows an internal review of the program’s outcome and structure, and will be carried out in accordance with available funding, the statutory framework established under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, and congressional notification requirements.
The pause of operations will occur by June 30. As the transition begins, the department is collaborating with state and local workforce partners to assist current students in advancing their training and connecting them with education and employment opportunities.
The department’s decision aligns with the President’s FY 2026 budget proposal and reflects the Administration’s commitment to ensure federal workforce investments deliver meaningful results for both students and taxpayers.
“Job Corps was created to help young adults build a pathway to a better life through education, training, and community,” said Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer. “However, a startling number of serious incident reports and our in-depth fiscal analysis reveal the program is no longer achieving the intended outcomes that students deserve. We remain committed to ensuring all participants are supported through this transition and connected with the resources they need to succeed as we evaluate the program’s possibilities.”
On April 25, 2025, the department’s Employment and Training Administration released the first-ever Job Corps Transparency Report, which analyzed the financial performance and operational costs of the most recently available metrics of program year 2023. A summary of the overall findings:
- Average Graduation Rate (WIOA Definition): 38.6%
- Average Cost Per Student Per Year: $80,284.65
- Average Total Cost Per Graduate (WIOA Definition): $155,600.74
- Post separation, participants earn $16,695 annually on average
