HAZLETON, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— The future of hundreds of employees and students in our area is uncertain.
The U.S. Department of Labor announced this week that nearly 100 Job Corps centers nationwide are being put on pause, or closing soon, including at least two in our area.
It's part of an internal review of the program.
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According to the Department of Labor, the Job Corps program has significant financial issues under its current operating structure.
The financial deficit is projected to reach $213 million this year.
As a result, several centers, including Hazleton, are expected to pause by the end of June.
Hazleton's Keystone Job Corps center and the Red Rock Job Corps campuses in NEPA are expected to close their doors by June 30.
This would leave 467 students having to turn elsewhere for education, support and skills.
It also means 357 employees will be in search of a new job.
"We need them and we can't afford for it to close," said Tony Colombo, president, Hazleton Helps non-profit organization.
The centers help teach students skills, discover career paths, and invest in their futures.
Some of the more than 400 students ages 16-25 are homeless or returning to unsafe housing.
Last year, the centers completed more than 6000 volunteer hours in support of more than 60 NEPA organizations.
"Hazleton-Helps" non-profit is one of those organizations.
President Tony Colombo has worked with these students for more than a decade.
"The kids are fabulous. When they are done with one job, they always look for another job. They have great work characteristics and they are really polite," stated Colombo.
The center, now turning to Pennsylvania officials for help.
Keystone sent a statement to 28/22 News, it reads in part:
"We are asking if people can speak to our local congressional representatives, as well as White House Chief of Staff, Susan Wiles, on behalf of the impact that our campuses have in NEPA," voiced Kelly King, executive center director, Keystone Job Corps center.
"I'm very stubborn, we might even make a bus trip to Washington," added Colombo.
The center's executive director says combined, the economic impact for Keystone and Red Rock is $50 million a year.
Colombo says it will be a great loss for the Hazleton community.
"I don't even want to think what could happen. I hope they make some kind of provisions so these kids won't be dropped, that their education won't just come to an end. They are a part of our community," expressed Colombo.
The department will be collaborating with state and local workforces to help students continue to advance their education and employment opportunities.
