Statement from Jerry Vernold, Town Supervisor, Town of Hancock and Member, Delaware County Board of Supervisors
August 20, 2025
I want to provide our residents with an important update on the current status of the Job Corps centers that serve Delaware County and the greater region, particularly the Delaware Valley Job Corps Center in Callicoon and the Oneonta Job Corps Center.
Current Status:
Both centers remain open and operational thanks to federal court intervention that has temporarily blocked the Trump administration's attempts to close these vital workforce training facilities. A federal judge issued preliminary injunctions that specifically prohibit the Department of Labor from enforcing center closures, issuing shutdown orders, or removing students and staff.
Delaware Valley Job Corps Center (Callicoon, NY) currently serves 177 students and employs 101 staff members. The center contributes an estimated $18 million annually to the Sullivan County economy and serves as one of the largest employers in that region.
Oneonta Job Corps Center serves approximately 140 students and employs around 120 staff members, injecting an estimated $23 million annually into the Southern Tier and Mohawk Valley economies. This center is particularly important to Delaware County residents seeking career training opportunities.
Economic Impact on Delaware County:
The potential loss of these centers would represent a devastating blow to our regional economy and workforce development. Combined, these facilities contribute over $40 million annually to our local economy and provide critical training pathways for young adults aged 16-24 in high-demand fields including healthcare, construction, advanced electrical trades, welding, computer technology, and automotive mechanics.
For Delaware County specifically, these centers serve as essential workforce pipelines, helping our local businesses find skilled workers while providing opportunities for our young people who might not otherwise have access to career training programs. Many Hancock residents have benefited from these programs over the years.
Ongoing Concerns:
While the federal court injunctions provide temporary protection, the long-term future of both centers remains uncertain. The legal proceedings are ongoing, and federal budget negotiations continue. New student enrollments have been suspended since March due to federal background check delays, creating a backlog of approximately 17,000 young people nationwide who are waiting for training opportunities.
Looking Forward:
As Town Supervisor and as a member of the Delaware County Board of Supervisors, I remain deeply concerned about any efforts to eliminate these programs. These centers represent more than just job training facilities—they are economic anchors for our region and lifelines for young people seeking pathways to productive careers.
The next several months will be critical as federal budget negotiations continue. I encourage all residents to stay informed about this issue and to contact their federal representatives about the importance of preserving these essential programs.
Both the Delaware Valley and Oneonta Job Corps centers have operated successfully for decades, proving their value to our communities time and again. We must ensure they continue serving future generations of young people in Delaware County and throughout upstate New York.
Contact Information: Jerry Vernold, Town Supervisor
Town of Hancock
(607) 637-3651
For more information about Job Corps programs, visit jobcorps.gov or contact your federal representatives.
IMAGES BELOW FROM PROTESTS ACROSS THE REGION AND NATION:
