Across the country, Job Corps centers are hoping for a last-minute reprieve that could keep their doors open—at least temporarily. The potential closures threaten to displace thousands of students, including many in the Tampa Bay area, who rely on these centers for housing, education, and career training. For Keilan Dunlap, the Pinellas County Job Corps Center has been more than just a place to learn—it’s been a lifeline. “I literally came from pretty much nothing,” said Dunlap. “I just didn’t know what I wanted to do. My grandmother recommended Job Corps, and I said OK… and I got my trade.” After eight months at the center, Dunlap and his fellow students were recently informed they would need to leave by this Friday, as part of a larger federal decision. The U.S. Department of Labor plans to shut down 99 Job Corps centers nationwide, citing concerns over performance, including an average graduation rate of just 38%. But for students like Dunlap, the closure would have immediate, devastating consequences. “If they stayed open, I could get my RN here instead of waiting a couple years later,” he said. When asked where he would go if forced to leave tomorrow, his answer was blunt: “I would literally be homeless.” The National Job Corps Association has since filed a motion for a temporary restraining order to delay the closures. If approved, the move could provide students a little more time—and a bit more hope. “What this is going to do is buy students a little more time so they don’t become homeless." St. Petersburg City Council Member Corey Givens Jr. has voiced strong support for the local center. He emphasized its longstanding role in the community. “For the Department of Labor to not see the value in Job Corps is disappointing. For over 60 years, they’ve produced over 3 million alumni. Job Corps works,” said Givens. “I spent five years working at Job Corps. I have friends and family who are still employed there. My mentees are trainees there. They just started their vocational trade, and now the welcome mat has been pulled from underneath them. It’s sad.” Givens is calling on community members to show their support at a rally scheduled for next Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. at the Pinellas County Job Corps Center. According to the Department of Labor, all staff will be laid off and students will be disenrolled and vacated from the campus by June 30 as part of the transition. Officials say they plan to work with state and local workforce partners to assist students with continuing their training and education elsewhere.