Stephen Pushes to Safeguard New Hampshire’s Job Corps Program Amid Federal Uncertainty

CONCORD, N.H. — Executive Councilor John Stephen is leading the charge to protect New Hampshire’s Job Corps program following the U.S. Department of Labor’s unexpected decision to pause operations at all contractor-operated Job Corps centers nationwide by June 30.

Stephen, who represents District Four on the Executive Council, issued a call for immediate action to safeguard the state’s enrollees and ensure the continuity of critical workforce training and educational services that help prepare young Granite Staters for successful careers.

“The Job Corps program builds futures for our young people,” Stephen said. “It’s imperative we tackle this new challenge head on to find solutions for Granite Staters enrolled in Job Corps.”

In a letter sent to key state officials, including Commissioners George Copadis of the Department of Employment Security, Ken Merrifield of the Department of Labor, and Taylor Caswell of the Department of Business and Economic Affairs, Stephen urged swift collaboration with the U.S. Department of Labor to identify flexible federal funding sources that would allow New Hampshire to sustain Job Corps programs proven effective. He also pressed for robust transition plans to ensure current students are integrated into alternative training, education, or employment pathways, minimizing disruptions to their progress.

Stephen emphasized the importance of student safety, referencing the Department of Labor’s 2023 Transparency Report, which documented nearly 15,000 serious incidents nationally, including 372 cases of inappropriate sexual behavior or sexual assault, 1,764 acts of violence, and 2,702 instances of reported drug use. He has requested a thorough investigation into whether any such incidents have occurred in New Hampshire’s Job Corps centers and asked that findings be shared with the Executive Council and the state Attorney General.

“Nothing matters more than keeping our students safe,” Stephen said. “We need to know exactly what’s happening in our centers to protect every enrollee.”

While Stephen supports federal efforts to reduce wasteful spending, he stressed that New Hampshire’s youth must not be left behind in the process. He highlighted the need for improvements in cost-effectiveness and outcomes, noting that while New Hampshire’s cost per student is below the national average of $80,284.65, the state’s graduation rate of 42.1% shows room for progress.

“We can make this program leaner and stronger,” Stephen said. “By cutting inefficiencies and aligning training with local job markets, we’ll get more students across the finish line and maximize taxpayer value.”

Stephen’s advocacy underscores his commitment to ensuring that New Hampshire’s young people continue to have access to the training and resources they need to succeed, even as the federal government reevaluates the Job Corps program. He has requested regular updates from state agencies on efforts to secure funding, improve safety, and enhance program outcomes, affirming that New Hampshire’s youth remain a top priority.

“Our youth are the backbone of New Hampshire’s future,” Stephen said. “We must do everything we can to support them.”