In the last month, the NJCA has held multiple meetings with leadership at the U.S. Department of Labor. These include meetings with Deputy Secretary of Labor Patrick Pizzella, two meetings with Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS) of Labor for Employment and Training Rosemary Lahasky, two meetings with Job Corps Advisor Tom Deuschle, and a meeting with National Director of Job Corps Lenita Jacobs-Simmons. In each of these meetings, the Department has directly communicated their desire to have a more productive working relationship with the NJCA. The Deputy Secretary indicated a desire to participate in the fall Job Corps Future Summit being organized by the NJCA, DAS Lahasky requested regular meetings with the NJCA, and the Department leadership requested the NJCA’s input on a wide range of issues including increasing on-board strength and adjusting Job Corps’ model to reduce the Department’s administrative responsibilities and give operators greater flexibility.

Based on our meetings, the Department is reconsidering Job Corps Information Notice 17-29 related to Program Year 2017 performance ranges given the timing of the notice. We will keep the Job Corps community updated regarding any determination DOL makes on this issue.