The U.S. Department of Labor’s decision to close all operations at Job Corps Centers nationwide is deeply concerning. The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Vermont (NAMI Vermont) strongly opposes the closure of the Northlands Job Corps Center in Vergennes. It is crucial that we save this program from closing. They are rated #1 out of 120 Job Corps for placement outcomes, and are a key contributor to the local workforce and economy. They are the second-largest employer in Vergennes, contributing approximately $2.5 million to the local economy. Job Corps is the largest residential career training program in the nation, offering life-saving and life-changing opportunities for youth and young adults.
Northlands provides educational, vocational, and career readiness training in various high-demand fields, such as construction, manufacturing, hospitality, and healthcare, to over 220 young adults, a third of whom are Vermonters. Students work and shop in local businesses while enrolled, then go on to serve in the military, build our infrastructure, work in businesses across the state and the country, or pursue higher education.
Closing this program will displace youth who are now housed. “NAMI Vermont had the honor and privilege of working with the Northlands Job Corps youth who volunteered their time at our annual NAMIWalks Vermont fundraising event. They were phenomenal in their volunteer work for the entire day. We couldn’t have done it without them,” said Laurie Emerson, Executive Director of NAMI Vermont.
The Job Corps program plays a vital role, and without it, so much would be lost. Will you join us in protecting its future?
Contact Members of Congress, the Governor, and Vermont State Representatives and Senators to let them know how important Northlands Job Corps is to our country, state, and community.
- Vermont State Legislators: https://legislature.vermont.gov/people/search/2026
- Representative Becca Balint — 202-225-4115 — https://balint.house.gov/contact/
- Senator Bernie Sanders — 202-224-5141 — https://www.sanders.senate.gov/contact/
- Senator Peter Welch — 202-224-4242 (D.C. Office) or 802-863-2525 (VT Office) —https://www.welch.senate.gov/email-peter/
- Governor Phil Scott – 802-828-3333
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NAMI Vermont is the independent Vermont chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. We are a statewide, non-profit, 501c3, grassroots, volunteer organization comprised of people who live with a mental health condition, family members, and advocates. As our mission, NAMI Vermont supports, educates and advocates so that all communities, families, and individuals affected by mental illness or mental health challenges can build better lives.
