By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang
KOROR, Palau — A federal judge in New York on June 17 extended a temporary restraining order until June 25, blocking the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) from suspending operations at more than 100 Job Corps centers across the United States — including two in Hawaii where Palauan students are currently enrolled.
The extension provides a brief reprieve after the DOL announced on May 29 that it would pause all federal contractor-operated Job Corps centers until June 30, with the intent to permanently shut them down afterward.
Both Job Corps centers in Hawaii, which train Palauan students, are among those affected. According to a recent Palauan graduate of the program, there were about eight Palauan students enrolled — four at each center. While some managed to fast-track their coursework and graduate before the scheduled pause, others are still completing their Work-Based Learning (WBL), the final phase of the program.
“I bet those remaining will be able to finish just in time,” the graduate said, expressing hope for his fellow trainees.
The program has been a valuable alternative for Palauan youth seeking vocational skills outside the traditional college path. Graduates have returned to Palau in search of employment, while others have pursued careers in the U.S. mainland or joined the military.
Germaine Bitlaol of the Ministry of Education, who serves as the program liaison, said about six new applicants from Palau are in the process of applying but are in limbo while awaiting further instructions from Job Corps headquarters.
If the closures move forward as planned, it would mark the loss of an important skills training pathway for Palauan youth.