Shorter College helps displaced Job Corps students
NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -Across the country, Job Corps Centers have begun stopping operations that offer education and job training. Multiple students in North Little Rock say they have renewed hope thanks to a college opening its doors.
The U.S. Department of Labor announced its plans to pause Job Corps Center operations nationwide by June 30. So far, the Little Rock Job Corps Center has already closed.
Job Corps closing hits home with Little Rock families
Nationally, the program became part of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964. It offers free residential education and job training for people with low incomes between ages of 16 and 24.
Officials say the number of serious incident reports and financial challenges are reasons for the pause.
Samantha Reyes was a part of the Job Corps program and said she was hurt when she found out it would be closing.
'It was like the rug was just pulled from under me,' Reyes said. 'Coming into Job Corps, it was like this is a place that I got to get out of my comfort zone and do something with my life.'
Tyand Freeman said the announcement left him afraid for the future.
'It really hurt me because I'm from Alabama, I'm not from Arkansas, so it's like I didn't have nowhere to go,' Freeman said.
But not all hope was lost, as they had the opportunity to become students at Shorter College in North Little Rock after it opened its doors to those students displaced.
'It started with a small group of 5. Now we're up to about 18 to 20 students,' Shorter College president Jeffery Norfleet said.
He says it was important that they were able to allow them to enroll so they could continue their academic life.
'We are able to have financial aid and we want to see them to the finish line with a degree,' Norfleet said.
Career counselor at Little Rock Job Corps says federal pause on operations nationwide leaves students with nowhere to go
Norfleet said the enrollment offers them a dorm room they can sleep in, food assistance and a list of other resources.
'I am beyond grateful. I don't know what could have happened if I didn't have this,' Reyes said.
Norfleet said he is grateful for the community support, as many people have been dropping off donations.
The opportunity means the world to Freeman, who is looking to be a certified nursing assistant.
Giving many hope that their future dreams can come true, like Brieze Bunk, who was also impacted.
'One of my career goals is to own a bakery,' Bunk said.
Reyes is aiming for a degree in education, but is grateful to have what's essential.
'Coming here and knowing we had something to eat, a place to sleep, it's been beyond words,' she said.
Labor Department suspends Job Corps centers operations, drawing bipartisan pushback
Norfleet said if anyone would like to donate, they can drop off food, bedding or anything that can help the students with their academics.
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