by Dianne Anderson

All the old guardrails are crashing down.

This month, the elimination of one of the oldest federal job-training programs in America adds to a growing list of gutted community programs and projects, with the most effective program for vulnerable youth the latest on the chopping block.

This time it’s Job Corps.

Last week, Congresswoman Maxine Waters rallied the masses to stand up and fight to keep access to critical programs set to be ripped away.

She talked about children with no place to sleep, sleeping in cars, trying to go to school, and families not knowing where their next meal is coming from.

Fathers are in tears because they can’t get a job.

“They’re discriminated against. I got this, I understand this and if I sound a little mad and angry – hell I know how to be angry,” she said, adding that the community needs to show they are not sitting down, they’re in the fight and not going to stop.

On her instagram, she said  outraged to hear Trump’s Department of Labor plans to suspend operations at Job Corps centers nationwide.

“Trump thinks he’s a king. He thinks he can do anything he wants to. And of course, he’s in the West Wing of the White House. He’s the president of the United States. The president can do, I guess, whatever they want because the Constitution doesn’t list all the things they can’t do,” she said.

While executive orders are real, she said it’s not just the President who decides how the rules impact people.

The process, the courts, Congress, future presidents, and public pressure all play a part in shaping what happens.

Under the current order, critical programs like Medicaid and Head Start are threatened, putting millions at risk of poverty and poor health, she said.

Everything is on the line.

“If people turn out, if people show up, we can be there. Do you understand that? Are you willing to do that? All right, let’s kick it,” she said.

The move to end Job Corps is now drawing backlash from lawmakers and a federal judge, who say it could push out tens of thousands of at-risk youth and force mass layoffs. Since Job Corps was created by Congress, opponents argue that it can’t be scrapped without congressional approval.

A temporary restraining order is currently in place with a court hearing slated for June 17.

Shalita Tillman

Shalita Tillman, director of Special Programs & Workforce Development at San Bernardino Valley College, also worries about what’s down the pike.

Tillman, who has served at San Bernardino Valley College for over 20 years, has an extensive background working with workforce development initiatives, including involvement with the Inland Empire Job Corps.

As a long-standing community partner of the Inland Empire Job Corps Center, she said SBVC District has worked closely with both students and staff through the Work-Based Learning and Advanced Career Training programs for over 10 years.

“We are deeply aware of the critical role IEJCC has played in shaping career pathways and educational opportunities for young adults in our region,” she said.

Meantime, she added that the district remains committed to supporting the educational and career development of young adults affected by this transition.

The community can help fill the gap by supporting local youth and connecting them with college programs that still offer a wide range of options at San Bernardino Valley and Crafton Hills Colleges.

There, she said academic, career technical education, and workforce development opportunities are available and ready. The district also offers a wide range of support services such as tutoring, academic counseling, and career planning.

“Our partnership with IEJCC through the Work-Based Learning and Advanced Career Training programs has given us deep insight into the needs of these students and the importance of maintaining continuity in their pathways,” she said.

Locally, San Bernardino County vulnerable youth are being linked to emergency housing through partnerships with the cities of San Bernardino and Fontana, the Salvation Army, and the County’s Office of Homeless Services.

Jannelle Needham said the county and its partners are reaching out to impacted youth, young adults, and staff at the center is enrolling them in eligible programs, including public assistance benefits, workforce development programs, shelter services, and behavioral health services.

“While the Inland Empire Job Corps is a federally administered program, San Bernardino County has moved swiftly and collaboratively to ensure youth and staff impacted by the sudden closure are connected to essential services, resources, and support systems,” said Needham, a spokesperson for San Bernardino County.

Not long ago, she said the county sent out a mobile outreach team to assist with applications for CalWORKs, CalFresh, and Medi-Cal, and through County Behavioral Health, clinicians and counselors were also sent out to Job Corps to provide mental health and substance use support.

Transitional Housing Program placement is available to youth in extended foster care, with access to housing, educational support, and life coaching.

Last week, Workforce Development also held an event for displaced staff with advice on unemployment benefits, healthcare coverage, 401(k) options, retraining grants, and reemployment opportunities.

Programs are set to pick up the slack with access to work training, counseling support for youth and young adults, also connect the unhoused to shelter beds and long-term housing. At Workforce Development, Youth Forward gets 16-to-24-year-olds into paid work, career coaching, and certification tracks.

MAP, the Probation Department’s Multidimensional Anti-Recidivism Partnership, offers mentorship, job prep, mental health care, and educational options for youth caught in the system. For others facing deeper challenges, county and community-run programs offer Transitional Age Youth (TAY) Centers, including outpatient services for 16-to-26-year-olds.

In response to the Job Corps Center closure, she said collaboration with local entities, government agencies, and nonprofits is key. They work with The Salvation Army, Operation New Hope, Youth Action Project, and other trusted nonprofits for a joint effort.

For extra county services and resources, the community can contact free career support locations – America’s Job Centers of California (AJCC), located in San Bernardino, Victorville, and Rancho Cucamonga.

Youth ages 16–24 are especially encouraged to explore the Youth Forward program, which includes paid work experience and one-on-one guidance. Youth interested in getting involved can go to the nearest AJCC, and directly connect with the WIOA Youth providers.

“If youth are found to need resources beyond the County’s direct services, the county will utilize its positive working relationships with community-based organizations to help ensure those needs are met,” she said.

For more information, see:

Youth Program

AJCC Locations & Services

https://sbccd.edu/district-services/edct/job-training-employment-services/index.php