In the wake of sudden program shutdowns and personal upheaval, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are doing more than offering academics; they’re offering hope.
In late May, the Department of Labor announced the abrupt closure of nearly 100 Job Corps centers nationwide, leaving thousands of youth aged 16 to 24 stunned, displaced, and uncertain about their futures. For many, Job Corps wasn’t just a place for free education and vocational training; it was a lifeline. It provided meals, housing, healthcare, and a pathway toward self-sufficiency and employment. Now, with centers shuttered, students scrambled for stability. HBCUs across the country stepped up.
Morris Brown College: Leading with Heart. Dr. Kevin James, President of Morris Brown College in Atlanta, felt the crisis personally. “My first job out of college was teaching at Job Corps,” he shared in a televised interview. “I have first-hand experience of how important Job Corps is.” Moved by empathy, James wrote a public letter inviting displaced students to enroll at Morris Brown. “We’ll sit down with them to talk about their goals and dreams,” he said. “We want them to know they’re not alone.” The college quickly mobilized counselors to assist with academic planning, financial aid, and transitional support. Morris Brown was offering more than an education; it was offering a resolution.
Shorter College: A Compassionate Response. In North Little Rock, Arkansas, Shorter College opened its arms to displaced Job Corps students. President Jeffery Norfleet welcomed five students initially, but the number swiftly grew to nearly twenty. “We want to see them cross the finish line with a degree,” he said. Shorter secured scholarships and tuition support while the surrounding community rallied, providing food, shelter, essentials, and heartfelt donations, including bedding, toiletries, and clothing. “This is what it means to be a community,” Norfleet said. “Thanks to your support, we’ve met the physical needs of our Job Corps students. But we’re still accepting donations to support enrichment programs and long-term success.” One student, Samantha Reyes, shared her story.
She had joined the Job Corps to become a Certified Nursing Assistant and was blindsided by the closure. “We were told to finish our programs by the end of the year. Then, just hours later, they said it was shutting down that week.” Fortunately, Reyes found refuge at Shorter College. “Coming here and knowing we had something to eat, a place to sleep, it’s been beyond words,” she said. She also voiced concern for peers who weren’t as fortunate. “I’m living out the best possible outcome. But so many others didn’t get this chance.”
A National Effort of Care: Other HBCUs joined in. Jarvis Christian University and Wiley University in Texas opened their doors, offering wraparound support services. Winston-Salem State University in North Carolina secured a grant through the Job Corps Scholars program to provide tuition assistance and practical job readiness skills training. Beyond academics, HBCU leaders prioritized emotional well-being. Dr. James emphasized support services, access to mental health resources, and housing throughout holiday breaks. His mission: to ensure that every student feels valued and affirmed. “We’re not throwing students in the deep end,” he said. “We’re showing up for them, every step of the way.”
Beyond the campus walls: the crisis galvanized alternative pathways, too. Programs like Americorps, YouthBuild, and initiatives under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) offered vocational training, leadership development, and employment support. Nonprofits, including Year Up and Urban Alliance, provided mentorships, internships, and hands-on experience. But the deeper connection and true sense of belonging came from HBCUs. President Glenell M. Lee-Pruitt of Jarvis Christian University described it as a call to action. “If we’re going to partner with Job Corps during good times, we must show up during the hard times, too.” Her university had been building a bridge with the North Texas Job Corps, envisioning smooth transitions from vocational training to college degrees. Although the plan was disrupted, Lee-Pruitt stayed committed: “We welcome and educate students who might not be welcomed elsewhere.” Task forces began exploring how to hire displaced Job Corps staff. Dorms stayed open year-round. Faculty leaned in to make transitions smoother.
A Closing Reflection: In a heartfelt open letter, Dr. James recalled doubting himself as a student. Now, he says, those memories fuel his commitment. “This is more than resilience. It’s about showing up, leading with heart, and reminding students they matter.” When systems failed, HBCUs rose to the challenge, becoming pillars of strength.
