WASHINGTON, D.C. -  Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge(OH-11) has sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration (ETA) urging it to restore new student admissions to pre-suspension levels at all Job Corps Centers, including the Jobs Corps Center in Cleveland, Ohio.

On March 25, 2013, ETA announced that it would lift the temporary suspension of new student enrollments,  but reduce the number of slots at its Job Corps centers to align operations with current and projected funding levels.  This plan will result in approximately 20% fewer admissions than prior to the suspension.  In her letter to ETA, Congresswoman Fudge urged the Administration to use cost reduction targets recommended by Jobs Corps center operators and its transfer authority under the FY2013 Continuing Appropriations Act to restore funding sufficient to increase the number of slots to former levels. The letter, sent on April 12, 2013, was led by Congresswoman Fudge and signed by 33 other Members of the House of Representatives.

Since the suspension has been in place, more than 10,000 students have been denied entrance into the program and hundreds of staff members have been laid off.

“With an unemployment rate of 16.3 % for youth ages 16-24, our national priority should be taking all prudent steps to provide our young people with the skills and training that will help them to be job ready.  Job Corps Centers are a vital educational resource for many low income youth.  I urge ETA to consider all options and alternatives before suspending enrollments or reducing capacity at Job Corps Centers, “ said Congresswoman Fudge.

Read the full text of the letter here.