Attorney Stephanie Lindsey took to Instagram this week to sharply criticize what she called the “absolutely ridiculous” decision to cut funding for Job Corps, a long-standing federal job training program that has empowered millions of low-income youth since the 1960s.
In a passionate video shared with her nearly 100,000 followers, Lindsey expressed outrage over reports that students at Job Corps centers are already being told to pack their belongings and prepare to leave.
“These are our babies,” she said. “Not everybody’s born with a silver spoon in their mouth.”
The Department of Labor has issued a formal public statement confirming that the Job Corps program has been paused. This follows circulating footage and reports of closures at Job Corps sites around the country.
“The pause of operations at all contractor-operated Job Corps centers will occur by June 30, 2025. As the transition begins, the department is collaborating with state and local workforce partners to assist current students in advancing their training and connecting them with education and employment opportunities,” the statement read in part.
Speaking about the issue, Attorney Lindsey said:
“I know young people right now—relatives—who went through Job Corps and got the training, and it changed their lives.”
A Lifeline for At-Risk Youth
Job Corps, created in 1964 as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty, offers free education and vocational training to young people ages 16 through 24.
Many of its students are from under-resourced backgrounds and rely on the program for not just career development, but housing, meals, counseling, and job placement.
According to the Department of Labor, Job Corps serves nearly 50,000 youth annually and has helped train more than 2 million students in trades like healthcare, construction, and information technology.
Its impact is especially significant among Black and Brown communities, a point Lindsey stressed throughout her video.
“This is happening to our kids,” she said, calling on lawmakers of both parties to act swiftly to reverse the decision. “You can’t just sit there and do nothing.”
Calling for Courage in Leadership
The video, which has garnered thousands of views and sparked a growing online conversation, included a direct challenge to political leaders:
“If you can’t develop Trump balls, you just need to step aside and let somebody else do it,” Lindsey said, criticizing what she described as “scared and weak politicians.”
Her message resonated with many viewers online, especially those who have personal connections to Job Corps. Comments flooded in from alumni and parents praising the program for giving them or their children a second chance.
Lindsey compared the current situation to past threats to historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), noting how pressure from the public and politicians led to funding reversals.
“Closed mouths don’t get fed,” she added.
What Happens Next?
As of now, it remains unclear whether the funding cuts will be reversed or expanded, but advocacy is gaining traction. Lindsey’s video is the latest in a wave of public outcry from legal professionals, educators, and former Job Corps students.
A Change.org petition demanding a halt to the closures has already begun circulating online.
“We want to see results ASAP—especially with this Job Corps issue,” Lindsey said. “This is absolutely ridiculous.”
