A new report has revealed the inefficiency of the Job Corps Program under the Department of Labor, highlighting a low graduation rate and high costs associated with the program. With a budget of $1.7 billion, the program's graduation rates range from 32% to 38%, and the cost per student is significant. The average cost per graduate is between $155,600 and $187,653, and graduates often end up in minimum wage jobs earning around $16,695 annually. The Department of Labor emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability, pointing out that some centers cost up to $512,800 per graduate. Concerns have also been raised about the safety of Job Corps dorms, where criminal activities have been reported, prompting calls for reform and budget cuts under the Trump administration's waste reduction initiative.

The Job Corps Program, aimed at low-income young adults, has a budget of $1.7 billion and serves as a federally funded residential career training initiative managed by the Department of Labor.

A recent report analyzed 124 job centers, revealing graduation rates between 32% and 38%, depending on the criteria used, highlighting issues in program efficiency and success.

The costs associated with the program are substantial, with an average spending of $49,769.53 per student and $79,631.25 per student per program year, leading to a total cost per graduate ranging from $155,600 to $187,653.

Program graduates often secure minimum wage positions, earning an average of $16,695 annually, raising concerns about the program's effectiveness in improving participants' economic prospects.

The Department of Labor has been pushing for transparency, revealing that the 10 least efficient programs cost an average of $512,800 per graduate, while the top 50 least efficient programs average $319,085 per graduate.

Safety concerns have been raised about Job Corps dorms, with reports of criminal activities including rape and drug dealing, prompting further scrutiny of the program’s management and safety measures.

The Trump administration is considering cuts to the program as part of a broader initiative to reduce government waste, with the Department of Labor returning over $1 billion in unused COVID-era funds to taxpayers.