Federal Court Blocks Labor Department From Pausing Youth Job Program

The initiative was projected to hit a deficit of $213 million in 2025, the department said.

Workers and supporters protest against the Department of Government Efficiency in front of the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington on Feb. 5, 2025. Al Drago/Getty Images

A New York federal court has blocked the Department of Labor from enforcing its decision to pause Job Corps, the country’s largest residential education and job training program for at-risk youth.

Job Corps is aimed at Americans between 16 and 24 years of age who have low incomes and face barriers to education and employment. Federal and state agencies, private companies, and unions recruit young individuals to enroll in Job Corps, where they can receive training and job placements.