The Milwaukee Job Corps Center, run by Horizons Youth Services and employing about 100 staff, was scheduled to close due to cost-cutting by the U.S. Department of Labor. On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Andrew Carter Jr. issued a Temporary Restraining Order stopping the closure of Milwaukee’s center and 98 other contractor-operated centers nationwide, allowing them to stay open for 16 more days. Nolyn Fueller, president of Horizons Youth Services, said, "We were pleased and excited with the court’s decision to grant the Temporary Restraining Order and that the closure of Job Corps Centers has been stopped," as reported by JSOnline.
The center’s near-closure would have affected its staff and the 237 students enrolled for free education and vocational training. "They were devastated last week when they heard the news," Fueller told FOX6 Now. The center is operated by Horizon Youth Services under a federal contract with the U.S. Department of Labor, which faced financial challenges that threatened to end the contract.
Local officials say the center provides important support for young people seeking career and educational opportunities. A Milwaukee Alderwoman told TMJ4, "This is a big deal," regarding efforts to keep Job Corps open. The temporary pause on closures affects students and employees at the centers.
