Latest news with #workforceDevelopment
CBS News
10 hours ago
- Business
- CBS News
Job Corps closure puts dozens of young adults at risk
As the Hubert Humphrey Job Corps Center in Saint Paul prepares to close its doors, dozens of young adults are facing an uncertain future. The closure leaves many without housing, education, or other skills needed to succeed in the workforce. 'THEY WORKED REALLY HARD' - The Hubert H. Humphrey Job Corps Center in St. Paul is winding down operations today, and... Posted by WCCO & CBS News Minnesota on Friday, June 6, 2025 Last week, the Department of Labor announced that they would pause operations for Job Corps centers nationwide. Students and staff are expected to leave by June 30th. The Department of Labor decision "aligns with the President's FY 2026 budget proposal." Also stating that the Job Corps program has faced "significant financial challenges under its current operating structure." "People come to Job Corps because they have no other place to go, they have no other family to turn to," said Job Corps student, Christopher Walter. Walter joined the program to get away from a parent that experienced a psychotic episode. He found himself a community, and a family at Job Corps. "I'm actually crying behind my sunglasses right now," said Walter. "Job corp was essentially family, it's a home away from home." Job Corps, the largest federal job training program for low-income youth, has been a lifeline for young people, offering a place to live, learn and prepare for careers. Now, with no alternative – the future for these young adults remains unclear. "It makes me want to cry, it's just really hard," said Job Corps staff member Laura Nelson. "They were promised if they worked hard, did what they were supposed to do they'd get something out of it." Finding job opportunities, outside resources and homes is all the staff at Job Corps can do for now. "For every single center across the country you have a homeless population of around 25%," said Christopher Kuhn, Job Corps Executive Director Center of Operations and Support. "I don't know where they all will go and I don't know what services will be available for them." While the closure has been met with shock and disappointment, local organizations like the Salvation Army's Booth Brown House, is stepping up to support. The Booth Brown House, a shelter for homeless young adults, is preparing for the surge of homeless youth displaced by the job corps closure. "We do have capacity in our emergency shelter to take a handful and we have seen interest from those youth when the time comes," said Erin Foss, Program Director at the Booth Brown House. Although disappointed at the closure, Foss remains hopeful. The Booth Brown House staff visited the Job Corps to discuss housing and job opportunities. "We're going to do our best to keep encouraging and assist them in finding other resources so these youth continue to move forward and don't fall through the cracks," said Foss. Pushing back, Christopher Kuhn, is urging the public to ensure that these young adults don't get forgotten. "America needs skilled workers, let us help. That's what we do. Otherwise you'll have a whole generation of young people that'll be a burden on our economy and society, when they can really be contributors. And they want to be, they want to help," said Kuhn. As the June 30th deadline approaches, the future of the young adults still remains uncertain. But there is still hope for some of the students and staff at the Hubert Humphrey Job Corps Center and centers across the nation. On June 3rd, the National Job Corps Association (NCJA) filed "a motion for a temporary restraining order in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York to stop the U.S. Department of Labor's (DOL) closure of 99 Job Corps campuses nationwide." On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Andrew Carter in Manhattan temporarily blocked the Trump Administration from eliminating the Job Corps program. A hearing is set for June 17, where the fate of the program will be decided.
Forbes
3 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
America Is Facing A Talent Mismatch. Congress Can Help.
As short-form credentials emerge as a tool for economic mobility, widening the allowable use of Pell ... More dollars to access many of these programs can unlock pathways to economic mobility. Americans want good jobs. American employers need skilled workers. Yet three out of four employers say they have difficulty filling full-time roles, even as many current job seekers report challenges in finding new employment. For decades – arguably starting with the end of World War II and passage of the GI Bill – the college degree was seen as the surest path to a good, stable job. Degrees became a frequently used tool for employers to find people with the skills they desired, and the number of jobs that required a degree grew. The unintended consequence is that these degree requirements put many jobs out of reach for tens of millions of Americans who don't have a college degree—and limited the talent pool for employers. Over the past decade, companies have taken steps to remove degree requirements from many jobs. This shift toward skills-based hiring and other skills-based practices reflects a growing realization: a four-year degree, while valuable, is not the only—or even the best—preparation for many well-paying jobs. Programs that are aligned to workforce needs, often much shorter than a college degree, can play an important role in helping match skilled talent to employers, creating a win/win for workers and companies. And families are taking notice. Today, only about one-third of the American public feels confident in higher education and, in contrast to the college-oriented parents of 10 years ago, almost half now say they'd prefer their children pursue something other than a bachelor's degree upon graduating high school. Congress has a chance to support this transition to a skills-based labor market by passing the bipartisan JOBS Act, which would expand Pell Grant eligibility to students enrolled in short-term programs that lead to in-demand jobs. A Republican-led version of this bill was included in the budget reconciliation package that passed the House. For more than 50 years, Pell Grants have been one of the most powerful engines of economic opportunity in the country — providing students from low-income communities with the funding they need to earn a degree and pursue a higher-earning career path. But in those past five-plus decades, the world of work has continued to change, and programs like the Pell Grant haven't always kept up with the needs of learners or employers. Currently, federal Pell Grants—a critical source of financial aid for low-income students—are only available for programs that are at least 600 hours or 15 weeks long. This excludes many short-term, high-quality programs that could quickly prepare workers for good-paying jobs. The JOBS Act is rooted in the understanding that it's harder than ever to commit to the time and money that a traditional degree pathway requires, especially for adult learners who are balancing work and family commitments in addition to their studies. It's built in standards of quality to ensure that Pell Grants can't just be used for any training program — but only those that lead to industry-recognized credentials that are aligned with the needs of state and local economies. Perhaps most importantly, it's designed to help meet the needs of today's economy. Republican Senator Roger Marshall called the bill an 'incredible opportunity for students in an ever-changing job market' when introducing it in February. His Democratic counterpart Tina Smith of Minnesota noted that many of today's most in-demand jobs – welders, machine operators, medical technicians – don't require college degrees at all. In her words, 'We need to make it easier to get people into these career fields, and letting students use Pell Grants to make it happen just makes sense.' States on both sides of the aisle provide a roadmap for what success can look like in these types of programs. A research study found that in Virginia and Louisiana, community college students who completed short-form credential programs experienced immediate annual wage gains of between 19-24%. The same report looked at programs in Colorado to prove that those increases lasted: Colorado students experienced not only that immediate salary bump but saw their earnings compared to high school graduates continue to increase five and ten years after completing their short-term program. In addition to supporting individual economic mobility, these wage gains are a signal that the skills acquired through shorter-form programs are valuable to employers, who are willing to pay a premium to access talent with those skills. As short-form credentials—such as certificates, industry certifications, and microcredentials— emerge as a tool for economic mobility, widening the allowable use of Pell dollars to access many of these programs can unlock pathways to economic mobility. In fact, the research on Virginia and Louisiana found that some of the biggest wage gains for short-term programs happened in zip codes with the lowest income. Helping more Americans find good jobs and provide for themselves and their families is at the core of nearly every policymaker's goal for the country. The JOBS Act is hardly a silver bullet for closing talent gaps or solving political polarization, but it's a powerful way to build on the work employers have already undertaken to shift to a skills-based labor market.
Associated Press
23-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Applications Open May 15: PSEG Foundation To Award $1.2 Million to Community Nonprofits in New Jersey and Long Island
Originally published on PSEG NewsRoom NEWARK, N.J., May 23, 2025 /3BL/ - For the 11th year, the PSEG Foundation invites nonprofits to apply for funding that helps close critical gaps for New Jersey and Long Island communities, through its Neighborhood Partners Program (NPP). Beginning May 15, 2025, the NPP will accept applications for up to $1.2 million in grants ranging from $500 to $15,000 to eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits. This year, the Foundation is encouraging more applications for programs that expand access to environmental sustainability and stewardship, as well as resources that support communities facing financial challenges. These resources include initiatives focused on basic needs such as food security, workforce development and training programs. Eligible organizations must submit applications by June 30. Awardees will be selected based on demonstrated program effectiveness, depth, breadth and overall alignment with the PSEG Foundation strategic pillars: environmental sustainability, social justice, and equity and economic empowerment. 'Over the years, our nonprofit partners have become more than collaborators — they're trusted friends,' said Calvin Ledford Jr., president, PSEG Foundation. 'We know how hard it can be today for families to find good jobs, afford basic needs and build a better future. That's why we believe so strongly in working together — to help people find opportunities and make everyday life more affordable. The Neighborhood Partners Program is about investing in the people and organizations with a track record of making a real and ongoing difference. We're proud to support a shared commitment to a stronger future.' Among other things, past grant recipients have leveraged funding to expand vital services, enhance community impact and overcome rising business costs: America's Grow-A-Row, a longtime partner, distributed 3.6 million pounds of fresh produce to families facing food insecurity in 2024. 'The Neighborhood Partners Program has been instrumental to our mission. Without organizations like the PSEG Foundation, we couldn't grow the fruits and vegetables that are being utilized to feed families and positively impact their lives,' said Jackie Etter, Development & Marketing, America's Grow-A-Row. Women's Center for Entrepreneurship's (WCEC) mission is to build communities by providing technical assistance to women and men to successfully own, operate and grow their small businesses, thereby investing financially, intellectually and emotionally in their community. 'The PSEG Foundation's support has been invaluable to the WCEC Women's Business Center, helping us equip business owners — including those reentering the workforce — with critical digital and business skills. Their partnership has strengthened our mission to empower and advance economic opportunity in our communities,' said Rana Shanawani, executive director, WCEC. HomeFront Inc. mission is to end homelessness in Central New Jersey by harnessing the caring, resources and expertise of the community. 'The support the PSEG Foundation has provided to HomeFront has made so many important things possible: access to basic necessities like nutritious food and a safe place for families to rest their head at night, meaningful help to support families through healing and supportive services, and opportunities for young people to thrive and achieve their dreams,' said Sarah Steward, CEO, HomeFront Inc. 'PSEG has been a partner in every way that counts: through their impactful advocacy, generous financial support, important community leadership, and countless hours hands-on volunteerism from their employees to literally do the work to build and support our region. Families in New Jersey are living happier, more fulfilling lives in more inclusive and equitable communities because of the incredible support the PSEG Foundation provides in our state.' The Watershed Institute provides inquiry-based hands-on STEM education while encouraging schools in New Jersey to adopt sustainability efforts through the River Friendly Program. 'We are grateful to the PSEG Foundation for its steadfast support through the Supporting Sustainability in Communities Program. Their generosity has made a real difference —empowering The Watershed Institute to conduct stream cleanups, advancing vital river restoration work, and engaging hundreds of community members in protecting and restoring local waterways. Together, we are building healthier, more resilient environments for all,' said Jim Waltman, executive director, The Watershed Institute. Organizations interested in applying can visit Grant recipients will be announced on a rolling basis. For questions about the program, please contact [email protected]. ### About PSEG FoundationThe PSEG Foundation 501(c)(3), the philanthropic arm of Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG) (NYSE:PEG), prioritizes investments in promoting environmental sustainability, social justice, and equity and economic empowerment. About PSEGPublic Service Enterprise Group (PSEG) (NYSE: PEG) is a predominantly regulated infrastructure company operating New Jersey's largest transmission and distribution utility, serving approximately 2.4 million electric and 1.9 million natural gas customers. PSEG also owns an independent fleet of 3,758 MW of carbon-free, baseload nuclear power generating units in NJ and PA. Guided by its Powering Progress vision, PSEG aims to power a future where people use less energy, and it's cleaner, safer and delivered more reliably than ever. PSEG is a member of the S&P 500 Index and has been named to the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index for 17 consecutive years. PSEG's businesses include Public Service Electric and Gas Co. (PSE&G), PSEG Power and PSEG Long Island ( ). Contacts: Media Relations: 973-430-7734
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New Boys and Girls Club to open at Michigan Central
The Brief A new hub is set to launch at Michigan Central for hundreds of young people. The Boys and Girls Clubs work to help young people, primarily those who face obstacles, reach their full potential. DETROIT (FOX 2) - A new hub is set to launch at Michigan Central, exploring an exciting opportunity for hundreds as the Boys and Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan expand. What they're saying The Boys and Girls Clubs work to help young people, primarily those who face obstacles, reach their full potential. "Super excited to announce our next Boys and Girls Club, it's gonna be the Michigan Central Boys and Girls Club," said President & CEO Shawn Wilson. "A big piece of that is workforce. We've been training kids in our neighborhood around artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, mobility, and tech." Expanding to Michigan Central means even more opportunities. "This gives our youth an opportunity to go to the next level. If they're looking to become entrepreneurs, now they're really plugged into a bigger ecosystem that allows them to learn what that means as they're creating their own inventions," said Wilson. Local perspective Michigan Central is excited to roll out the red carpet. "It's really a two-way street. It's creating an ecosystem where we get value from seeing things through the kids' eyes—the future, what they're interested in—and how do we ensure that they have a pathway to being interns for some of the startups here," said Michigan Central Chief Operating Officer Carolina Pluszczynski. It's creating a pathway to the future. "How do we keep advancing it? How do we make sure that our community around us is ready for it and really can take on those technologies?" she said.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Massachusetts adds 7,700 jobs, boosting labor market
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – Massachusetts is showing signs of a growing labor market and economic recovery, according to a jobs and employment report. State employers added a staggering 7,700 payroll jobs last month, bringing total employment to over 3 million. The executive office of labor and workforce development indicates the largest gains were in trade, transportation, and utilities, with 4,400 jobs. While construction saw an uptick of 1,200 jobs, both education and health services saw 1,100 added jobs. This uptick is being driven by more people entering the workforce and looking for work. The state unemployment rate increased to 4.6%, due to the growing labor force, and the Healey-Driscoll administration is making key investments to keep it going. This includes $6.8 million to train, upskill, and hire more than 1,100 workers statewide in industries like healthcare and construction. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
