U.S. Rep., supporters rally for Job Corps
Flint -- U.S. Rep Kristen McDonald-Rivet (MI-08) had strong words for the Trump Administration Saturday.
Protestors carried signs and cameras scattered the front of Flint Genesee Job Corps to listen to McDonald-Rivet, Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley and Job Corps alumni urge the U.S. Department of Labor to rethink its decision to cease Job Corps operations.
“The Job Corps program was essentially just cut and closed by the administration,” McDonald-Rivet said.
On May 29, the U.S. Department of Labor announced it would cease Job Corps operations nationwide by June 30.
“The department’s decision aligns with the President’s FY 2026 budget proposal and reflects the Administration’s commitment to ensure federal workforce investments deliver meaningful results for both students and taxpayers,” the department wrote in a press release announcing the closure.
The program provided free job training and education for young adults and teens who dropped out or struggled in traditional school. This decision to shut down operations has left lawmakers questioning its validity, as many believed the program was still beneficial.
On June 4, U.S. District Court Judge Andrew Carter issued a temporary restraining order blocking the closure. In his ruling, the Manhattan-based judge ordered the Labor Department to not cease operations pending a further decision. The department is expected to appear in court next week.
McDonald-Rivet urged the Department of Labor to reconsider its decision and continue Job Corps operations of its own accord.
“(Job Corps) is important. It needs to continue, and we need to fight,” she said.
Since 1964, Flint Genesee Job Corps has provided young adults and teens from low-income households free job training and education. Flint Genesee Job Corps is one of many nationally recognized Job Corps.
Stacey Littlejohn graduated from the program in 2023 and is now the founder of Fighting Mental Health, a program he hopes will help aid those struggling with mental health issues. He said his time at the Job Corps has helped him create the program.
“My experiences here helped,” Littlejohn said. "Being around that family structure is what made me feel motivated."
Many community members attended the rally; some had no relation to the Job Corps, such as Kathy Wolfe.
“I’m a retired nurse and a grandmother, and I’m concerned for the future,” Wolfe said. “We’re better together, we can do better.”
Paul Jordan is retired, but he worked with Mott Community College through the social technician program.
“I’ve been familiar with Job Corps for decades,” Jordan said. “(It) provided (young adults) with a structured environment.”
