GARY JOB CORPS
The U.S. Department of Labor has announced plans to shut down operations at several Job Corps centers across the nation, including the Gary Job Corps Center, located in San Marcos. Known as the largest Job Corps campus in the country, Gary has been a beacon of opportunity since it first opened in 1965, serving thousands of underserved youth over the years.
For six decades, Gary Job Corps has provided free educational and vocational training — helping young people find purpose, build careers and change the trajectory of their lives. The center currently serves over 800 students.
According to the administration’s directive, the Department of Labor will begin coordinating return travel for all current students, with the transition expected to be complete by June 30. While transportation will be provided, this abrupt closure risks leaving both students and staff without housing, jobs or a support system.
These students were on the right track and now they’re facing uncertainty, displacement and, in many cases, homelessness. We must come together as a community to ensure that doesn’t happen.
This is a call to action. This is what is needed:
• Local organizations, housing providers and workforce programs that can offer transitional resources.
• City and county leaders, chambers of commerce and employers to explore partnerships and job placement opportunities.
• Anyone who has been touched by Job Corps — alumni, staff, parents or community members — is encouraged to share their success stories and help raise awareness.
• If you or your organization is in a position to help, partner or offer solutions, please reach out immediately. The goal is to keep these students on the path to success — not let their progress be erased.
Please contact Tarence Hines, Kyle Chamber of Commerce, for all partnerships at [email protected] or (512) 268-4220.
