The sudden and sweeping shutdown of Job Corps programs nationwide has left hundreds of young people and staff in limbo — including nearly 150 students and 97 workers at Talking Leaves Job Corps in Tahlequah, operated by the Cherokee Nation.

Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. says the federal government’s pause on contracts isn’t just disruptive — it’s devastating.

“It’s called a pause, but it seems to effectively be a termination,” Hoskin said. “We’re in the middle of a five-year contract. We’ve been doing this since 1978.”

Job Corps is a federal residential job training program for low-income youth ages 16–24. While its future remains uncertain, Hoskin said the Cherokee Nation is scrambling to relocate students — many of whom have no stable housing to return to — while also urging Congre

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