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  2. News Room
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Tony Evers, Governor
Caleb Frostman, Secretary

Department of Workforce Development
Secretary's Office
201 E. Washington Avenue
P.O. Box 7946
Madison, WI 53707-7946
Telephone: (608) 266-3131
Fax: (608) 266-1784
Email: sec@dwd.wisconsin.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, June 21, 2019
CONTACT: DWD Communications, 608-266-2722
On the Web: http://dwd.wisconsin.gov/news/
On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WIWorkforce
On Twitter: @WIWorkforce

Blackwell Job Corps Facility and Others to Remain Open

MADISON – Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Secretary Caleb Frostman today praised the federal government's decision to keep a number of Job Corps Civilian Conservation Centers open and operational, including Blackwell Job Corps Center, located near Laona, WI.

After bipartisan pushback from members of Congress and state officials which outlined the positive impact the centers have on disadvantaged youth and the important role they play in workforce development, the United States Departments of Labor (USDOL) and Agriculture (USDA) recommitted to the program. The decision saves over 1,100 jobs, including over 50 in Northern Wisconsin, and preserves the no-cost, voluntary education and career technical training program that has supported countless disadvantaged youth.

DWD Secretary Frostman released the following statement in support of the decision:

"Yesterday's decision by the United States Departments of Agriculture and Labor to remain committed to the successful operation of the Job Corps Civilian Conservation Centers is great news for Wisconsin, our country, and countless youth who will be impacted as Blackwell continues to operate. Facilities like Blackwell provide a path to a rewarding career and life to some of our most vulnerable young people. I would like to thank members of the Wisconsin Congressional Delegation, state and local leaders, and past participants for voicing their support for the program. Today's decision demonstrates the power of unifying behind a common cause supporting our state and our citizens."

Job Corps Civilian Conservation Centers are jointly operated by the Agriculture and Labor Departments, with direct oversight provided by the U.S Forest Service. The USDA and USDOL recently announced the closure of numerous centers located in rural areas of the county, including the Blackwell facility near Laona.

Earlier this week, Secretary Frostman submitted comments supporting the continued operation and funding of the centers. His comments can be accessed here.