SKAGIT COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A new ruling is offering relief to a program for underprivileged youth in Skagit County and across the country.

A federal judge on Thursday granted a preliminary injunction to stop the U.S. Department of Labor from shutting down Job Corps until a lawsuit against the move is resolved.

Founded in 1964, Job Corps aims to support low-income teenagers and young adults who struggled to finish traditional high school and find jobs. The program provides tuition-free housing at residential centers, training, meals and health care.

The Department of Labor announced in May that it would begin a “phased pause” at Job Corps centers around the country.

My Bellingham Now previously reported that the Cascade Job Corps program, which serves around 250 young people in Sedro-Woolley, is among the centers at risk of shutting down.

U.S. District Judge Andrew Carter said in his ruling that the Department of Labor is required by law to keep Job Corps since Congress passed legislation saying the program must exist.

The Department of Labor says it’s working closely with the Justice Department to respond to Thursday’s decision.