Missouri lawmaker 1 of nearly 200 to call on continued funding for Job Corps
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - A Missouri lawmaker has ed nearly 200 others to call on the Department of Labor to continue to fund the Job Corps program.
U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) says that he recently ed nearly 200 other lawmakers to urge the U.S. Department of Labor to continue the Job Corps program. In a letter to Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, the cohort highlighted the program’s benefits and reiterated its importance to young workers.
“Nearly 20,000 young people utilize Job Corps to learn skills for in-demand vocational and technical job training,” the lawmakers wrote. “Job Corps is one of the few national programs that specifically targets the 16-24-year-old population that is neither working nor in school, and provides them with a direct pathway into employment openings in industries such as manufacturing and shipbuilding. The program also connects these young Americans with apprenticeships, higher education opportunities, or the military.”
On May 29, the U.S. Department of Labor announced it would begin a phased pause in operations at contractor-operated Job Corps centers nationwide. The national program has more than 120 centers and offers at-risk youth academic opportunities and career pathways.
“As companies continue to onshore and invest in the men and women of our country, a steady stream of skilled laborers will be required to meet the growing workforce demand,” the lawmakers continued. “The Job Corps program is uniquely positioned to fill that role and provide these hardworking young Americans with the vocational and technical job training that will set them and our country up for success.”
Congressman Cleaver said he has been a longtime er of the Job Corps and the benefits it provides young workers across the Show-Me State. He has requested that Congress provide adequate funding for the program and centers throughout Missouri.
“There is no one more capable than the American worker when given a chance at success. We urge you to our request so that local Job Corps Centers can continue connecting young Americans with careers and opportunities available to them. We are confident that, in collaboration with the istration and Job Corps Centers in our communities, we can strengthen this program, continuing to develop a highly skilled and competitive labor force,” the lawmakers concluded.
To read the full letter, click HERE.
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