Because of this, U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer visited Chautauqua County on Tuesday where he discussed how he is lobbying to keep the job training center open and has bi-partisan support.

Schumer spoke about Job Corps during a visit to Jamestown Community College, which has a partnership with Job Corps for the last two decades.

In late May, 99 Job Corps sites across the country were told the program was being paused and for them to find alternate locations for their students.

About a week later, a federal judge halted the pause, noting that Congress had already allocated the funding.

Community members display signs calling on federal officials to save Job Corps.

During his visit Tuesday, Schumer noted the program is only funded through the end of the fiscal year. Oct. 1 a new fiscal year begins and it’s up to Congress if they’re going to continue to fund it or not.

He said the Trump administration has eliminated it from his budget.

Schumer said he believes he can get bipartisan support in the Senate to keep Job Corps going.

“With my pushing, it passed the Senate Education and Labor Committee with a bi-partisan vote – Democrats and Republicans supported it,” he said.

Jomo Akono with Local 276 for carpenters speaks about the need Job Corps can provide in training students.

While he believes he can get the funding for Job Corps approved in the Republican-led Senate, he noted the House of Representatives has not committed to future funding.

Schumer called on everyone in attendance to reach out to Rep. Nick Langworthy, the local congressman, and express their support for Job Corps.

“You’ve got to let him know,” he said.

At one time, the Cassadaga Job Corps program had more than 200 students. Schumer noted there’s 84 students there now, hoping to complete their training in their respective fields.

Job Corps offers training in a number of programs including carpentry, certified nurse assistant, electrical, painting, plumbing, security and more.

Job Corps officials said when they sent away a number of students in early June, those students were contacted and invited to return, with some still deciding what to do. There’s also about another 60 students that have applied to join the Job Corps.

Job Corps employees have been spotted at a number of festivals and events this summer, including the County Fair, where they are encouraging students to apply.

Schumer said if that funding does not come through in next year’s budget, the future is very bleak.

“The bottom line is there’s probably some money left over when the budget runs out, but it wouldn’t be for very long. We really need the 2026 budget, which starts Oct. 1,” he said.

A number of Job Corps community partners and graduates spoke at the press conference.

JCC President Daniel DeMarte shared how the community college has a new program that is scheduled to launch this fall to help train Job Corps students become licensed practical nurses.

“It offers Job Corps students a pathway toward a meaningful, in-demand career, while also helping to address local healthcare workforce shortages,” DeMarte said.

Jomo Akono with the North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters said the union provides some of the training.

“The Job Corps have a special initiative where they’re being taught by the most professional carpenters who are in the field,” he said.

Stephen Storey, a gear specialist with Green Mountain Electric Supply in Dunkirk, is a graduate from Job Corps. “As someone who has directly benefited from the program, I can attest to its efficacy. At a time in my life when I needed guidance and support the most, Job Corps provided me with the training, stability and sense of purpose that set me on a path to success. Without it, I wouldn’t have the career I have today,” he said.