U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, Jr. recently engaged in a roundtable discussion with local stakeholders and elected officials to address the impact of the Keystone Job Corps Center on Northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA). The center, situated in Drums, PA, offers various career and technical training programs including construction, healthcare, culinary arts, information technology, manufacturing, and security.
Rep. Bresnahan has consistently supported the Job Corps Program since joining Congress. This federal initiative provides free education and vocational training for young people aged 16 to 24 facing employment barriers.
“Right here in NEPA, Keystone is transforming lives,” said Rep. Bresnahan. “By providing training for in-demand fields like construction, healthcare, and manufacturing… I am, and will continue to be, a proud voice for the Job Corps Program in Congress.”
Tony Colombo from The Hazleton Helps participated in the discussion. “Yesterday… it was a great turnout,” he remarked about the event’s significance for both community and economy.
Steve Padrusnak from IUPAT expressed similar sentiments: “It was an honor to be part of yesterday’s conversation with Congressman Bresnahan.”
The roundtable included several community leaders such as Kelly King of Keystone JobCorps; Gary Perna of Keystone WIOA; Alan Kost from Butler Township; Tony Colombo; Danielle Matarella from Catholic Social Services; Rich Foley of Carpenters and Joiners Local 445; Steve Padrusk from IUPAT; Gordon Peterson of Krieger Construction; Susan Troy-Connors from Troy Mechanical; Michelle Mikitish of Pittston Chamber of Commerce; and Leann Fallabel from Hazleton Chamber.
On May 29, 2025, U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer announced that 99 privately operated Job Corps Centers must cease operations by June 30, 2025. In response to this announcement, Rep. Bresnahan took immediate action alongside nearly 200 colleagues by addressing Secretary Chavez-DeRemer directly to express their support for maintaining these centers’ operations.
