Federal judge offers relief to Job Corps across the country, including Skagit County

A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction to prevent the U. S. Department of Labor from shutting down Job Corps, a vital program for underprivileged youth. Established in 1964, Job Corps provides tuition-free housing, training, meals, and health care to low-income teenagers and young adults struggling to complete traditional education. The Labor Department had announced a "phased pause" affecting centers nationwide, including the Cascade Job Corps in Sedro-Woolley, which serves approximately 250 young people.

U. S. District Judge Andrew Carter ruled that legislation mandates the continuation of Job Corps, highlighting its importance in supporting vulnerable populations. The Department of Labor is working closely with the Justice Department to respond to the judge's ruling. This decision is crucial for the communities that depend on Job Corps for youth development and job readiness.

The ruling not only protects the program but also reinforces the legal obligation to uphold it. Job Corps plays a significant role in addressing educational and employment barriers for disadvantaged youth in Skagit County and beyond.