On April 21, Gary Job Corps lifted a 12-week admissions freeze that had resulted in steep enrollment declines for the federal education and career training institution in San Marcos.

Issa Arnita, a spokesman for Management and Training Corp., the contractor that operates Gary Job Corps on behalf of the U.S. Department of Labor, said the center had to cut about 353 students beginning in January. Moving forward, the department has instructed Gary Job Corps to reduce its maximum enrollment of 1,600 by 21 percent.

"Gary is just not going to be able to serve that many students, unfortunately. That's obviously a concern of ours because our program was designed and funded to handle a certain number of students," Arnita said. "Because of their budget shortfall, they're making us cut back."

Gary Job Corps has operated since 1965. In January, the Department of Labor implemented the freeze at its 125 job corps centers nationwide as it grappled with a $61.5 million shortfall.

"The department strongly supports Job Corps, which provides life-changing opportunities for thousands of deserving young people each year," acting Secretary of Labor Seth D. Harris said in a prepared statement. "The suspension of enrollment has been difficult for students and families, and the department is committed to ensuring that this important program is administered efficiently by the [Department of Labor's Employment & Training Administration] and in the best interest of students and families."

Gary Job Corps offers hands-on technical training for careers as medical assistants, computer technicians and machinists, among others. Serving students ages 16–24, it also provides academic training, job placement and housing.