DeLauro, Murphy, Larson Hail End to Job Corps Enrollment Freeze

Decision Will Help Students in New Haven, Hartford,Nationwide

WASHINGTON, DC—Three members of the ConnecticutCongressional Delegation—Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, Senator Chris Murphy andCongressman John Larson—today hailed the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)'sdecision to end the Job Corps enrollment freeze. The three have worked for thisdecision for months, most recently sending a letterto DOL imploring them to use their authority to transfer addition funds to theJob Corps program and take other steps to end the freeze.

"The announcement that the student enrollment freeze willsoon be lifted is great news for our Connecticut Job Corps centers," said DeLauro."The freeze not only prevented the centers from providing additional youngpeople with vital job training opportunities they need, but as I saw firsthandin New Haven it had a direct impact on the livelihoods of current students andthe dedicated staff. I was proud to have fought to secure extra fundingto transfer to the program and will continue to work to see that ultimately theprogram is put on a sustainable path and the New Haven and Hartford centers canincrease the number of students they can serve."

Murphy said: "As a member of the committee thatoversees the Job Corps program, I've been pushing for months to end thisdamaging enrollment freeze, and I'm pleased to see those efforts pay off. JobCorps centers are critical in this tough economy, helping young people secureemployment by providing them with the tools they need to succeed. The Job Corpsenrollment freeze has hurt some of the most vulnerable kids in Connecticut.I'll keep fighting for these centers so kids in Connecticut can more easilygain the skills they need to find a job."

"The Department of Labor is right to end the Job Corpsenrollment freeze," said Larson. "Each year hundreds of youth are ableto find a job with the help of training from The Hartford Job Corps Academy,recognized nationally for their success. These centers strengthen ourcommunities and help young Americans lift themselves out of poverty and intomeaningful careers. I am glad that each center can continue to enroll new youthand look forward to seeing the Job Corps Academy continue their important workin Hartford."

Started in 1964, Job Corps is an education and trainingprogram that helps young people learn a career, earn a high school diploma orGED, and find and keep a good job. For eligible young people at least 16 yearsof age that qualify as low income, Job Corps provides the all-around skillsneeded to succeed in a career and in life.