Memphis faith-based leader steps up as Job Corps nationwide pause leaves thousands of students with uncertain future
Bishop Kip Douglas is finalizing documents to launch Pillars of Purpose, a nonprofit to fill the void after thousands of students are sent home by Job Corps
Author: Desmond Nugent
Published: 7:19 PM CDT June 3, 2025
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Thousands of at-risk youth and young adults across the country could soon be without educational and vocational training opportunities.
Last week, the U.S. Department of Labor announced a nationwide pause on all Job Corps operations. In Memphis, one local faith leader is working to fill the gap.
Bishop Kip Douglas with The Church Without Walls Memphis is launching a nonprofit called Pillars of Purpose. He told ABC24 the organization is aimed at helping Job Corps students and others in need of vocational training.
“We’re talking about going back to the old high school Vo-Tech days,” Douglas said. “[The organization will teach] auto mechanics, electrician’s skills, plumbing, HVAC, cosmetology; giving [students] a life skill that can really change a life.”
Douglas began the process of establishing Pillars of Purpose in November 2024 and is now awaiting approval of the nonprofit’s 501(c)(3) status. He said once it’s finalized, the organization will offer GED courses, hands-on trade training, and housing for students who do not have a place to stay. Douglas said he was heartbroken hearing about a young lady on TV who was unsure where she would live now that students are being forced to leave.
“A foundation like Pillars of Purpose will be able to counter that and she will have a place to lay her head while she gets her education and her vocational skills,” he said.
The pause in Job Corps operations is the result of a projected $213 million deficit in the program’s budget for 2025, according to the Department of Labor. A student of the Job Corps Center in Whitehaven told ABC24 that they have until June 12 to vacate the facility.
One of those students, Nathalie Viveros Tejeda, is nearly finished with the work necessary to obtain her certification in accounting. She worries that not all of her peers will have that chance.
“There’s a lot of people that aren’t like me,” Tejeda said. “Even if they were given an extra week, they won’t be able to finish their training. Some of them don’t even know where they’ll sleep next week.”
Douglas said the urgency of the situation ramps up the need for community support and a boost from the City of Memphis. He hopes to raise $100,000 in addition to securing a facility in time to offer courses by September 2025.
“When I think about the poverty, the crime in Memphis, all the things we’re seeing escalate among youth, a big push from the city could change the game, literally,” Douglas said.
Tejeda echoed Douglas’ plea, calling on local and Shelby County leaders for help.
“Even if they don’t have their certificates right now, that was something that was going to help them get a better job,” she said. “At least they shouldn’t have to worry about where to lay their head down at night.”
A spokesperson for the City of Memphis confirmed with ABC24 that it is actively working to find solutions for the young people affected by the Job Corps shutdown.