South Fulton leaders demand action after Job Corps program paused
South Fulton leaders address Trump admin. after Job Corps program paused
Teens and young adults who once relied on Atlanta’s Job Corps program are now left searching for alternatives after the U.S. Department of Labor paused operations nationwide. The White House has cited inefficiencies and a $140 million deficit as reasons for scaling back the Job Corps program.
ATLANTA - Teens and young adults who once relied on Atlanta’s Job Corps program are now left searching for alternatives after the U.S. Department of Labor paused operations nationwide.
What we know:
Local leaders gathered Wednesday morning in South Fulton to demand answers and action for the abandoned site and the community it was meant to serve.
Standing before the idle 25-acre property, Councilwoman Helen Willis and other officials voiced concerns over the stalled project. The campus, which began construction years ago, has remained unfinished since 2019 due to a contract dispute. Now, leaders fear the vacant facility will continue to attract blight and pose safety risks.
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At the news conference, Willis directly addressed the Trump administration’s budget decisions, highlighting the impact on local youth.
What they're saying:
"If you want to make America great again, restore the funding to the Job Corps," Willis said. "Allow this facility to continue to be built. How is it that your goal is to recreate manufacturing in the USA, create tariff wars, and yet you won’t invest in job training for our youth?"
South Fulton leaders argue that cutting the program will have lasting negative effects on young people seeking education and job skills. Willis said she hopes the city can acquire the site to prevent further decay and ensure it benefits the community.
Karla Harris of Decatur just graduated from Job Corps and has been placed with a local plastering company.
The 24-year old says she was homeless before joining the corps. Harris sympathizes with classmates left behind who must scramble to figure out what next.
"The are people trying to change their lives," says Harris. " Trying to make change, and it's snatched from them out of nowhere. It's crazy to me."
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FULL: Local leaders talk about elimination of Atlanta Jobs Corps
Local leaders and others gathered on Wednesday morning to talk about the elimination of the Atlanta Jobs Corps program and what impact that will have on students and the community.
The other side:
The White House has cited inefficiencies and a $140 million deficit as reasons for scaling back the Job Corps program.
What's next:
The future of the Atlanta Metro Job Corps campus — and the youth who would have trained there — remains uncertain.