KDSN RADIO News
Denison Campus Faces Closure Amid Job Corps Contract Changes
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Summary
On Thursday at 2 p.m. Eastern Time, Denison received termination notices regarding contract
modifications that effectively mandate the closure of its campus. This decision is expected to have
a significant economic impact on the local community.
Key Figures
204 students currently reside on the Denison campus.
124 staff members are employed, covering roles such as security, cafeteria, maintenance,
academic and vocational instructors, administration, and recruitment.
Approximately 9% of students are homeless or unhoused, making Job Corps their primary
residence.
Timeline and Communications
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) initially instructed the campus to unenroll students
and vacate by Friday, June 6th.
On Sunday at 11:35 a.m. Eastern Time, the DOL provided updated guidance, allowing more
time for student relocation and requesting a list of names by June 12th.
Some students have already begun leaving, especially those who went home for weekend
passes and may not return.
Concerns and Criticisms from the Source
The DOL cites unsustainable program costs as the reason for closure, referencing a
transparency report.
The report is criticized for being misleading and selectively using 2023 data, a period when
enrollment was low due to COVID-19 recovery.
In 2023, nationwide Job Corps enrollment was at 34%; it is now at 76%.
Denison's enrollment rose from 35% in September 2023 (when the current contract began) to
81% currently.
Cost per participant appears higher at lower enrollment rates, which skews the financial
assessment.
