1. United States
2. N.D.
3. Letter

The Job Corps Program is the nation’s largest residential job training program for young adults ages 16-24. The program offers job experience across a variety of industries along with housing and other supports to vulnerable young people. Studies have shown that Job Corps participation increases many participants’ lifelong earnings and employment rates. The program’s closure would have an immediate impact on the training of thousands of young adults across the country. Job Corps is funded through the U.S. Department of Labor and has been around for 60 years. However, Donald Trump’s 2026 budget proposal would eliminate the program entirely. DOGE’s haphazard cost-cutting efforts have already disrupted program operations and blocked young people from accessing the program. Congress must ensure this valuable career development resource for at-risk young adults is preserved and adequately funded.