The Assisting In Developing Youth Employment Act, or AID Youth Employment Act, amends Title I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to create new programs for youth employment. It establishes a new subtitle, "Youth Employment Opportunities," focusing on individuals aged 14 through 24 who are in-school, out-of-school, or unemployed. The bill aims to provide **subsidized employment** opportunities through competitive grants. The Secretary of Labor is authorized to allocate funds for two distinct grant programs: one for summer employment and another for year-round employment opportunities. Up to $1.8 billion is designated for summer programs, and up to $2.4 billion for year-round programs, for fiscal years 2026 through 2030. A portion of these funds may also be reserved for technical assistance and oversight to support grant recipients. Eligible entities, including states, local governments, Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and community-based organizations, can apply for **planning grants** (up to $250,000 for one year) or **implementation grants** (up to $6 million for three years). These entities must form partnerships with various agencies, such as educational, workforce development, justice, and child welfare agencies, as well as employers. Community-based organizations also require specific government partnerships. Applications for these grants must demonstrate significant local need, such as high youth unemployment or poverty rates, and outline strategic objectives for developing core work readiness skills. These skills include financial literacy, sector-based technical skills, and soft skills like communication and problem-solving. For marginalized youth, basic skills training within the context of career advancement is emphasized. Summer employment programs must offer at least six weeks of work, not exceeding 20 hours per week, with wages at or above the applicable minimum wage. Year-round programs adjust these hours to not more than 15 hours per week for in-school youth and 20-40 hours for out-of-school youth. Both programs require a strong mentorship component, with mentors making regular contact and potentially trained in trauma-informed care or as job coaches. The bill mandates specific allocations to ensure equitable access, reserving 50% of funds for in-school youth and 50% for out-of-school youth in both programs. Additionally, at least 20% of funds must support activities in rural areas, and 5% in tribal areas. Priority is given to entities coordinating with local employers and educational agencies, and those in areas with high indicators of need. Grant funds can cover wages for youth, provide support services like case management and transportation, and develop data management systems. Recipients can reserve up to 10% for administration. The bill also establishes **performance measures** to evaluate program effectiveness, tracking participants' engagement in education or employment and attainment of credentials after program exit. The Secretary will conduct annual reviews of grant recipients and implement a system of continuous quality improvement, offering feedback, creating improvement plans, and providing targeted support. An annual report to Congress will detail program outcomes, recipient activities, and the effectiveness of the quality improvement system, ensuring ongoing accountability and program refinement.
The Assisting In Developing Youth Employment Act, or AID Youth Employment Act, amends Title I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to create new programs for youth employment. It establishes a new subtitle, "Youth Employment Opportunities," focusing on individuals aged 14 through 24 who are in-school, out-of-school, or unemployed. The bill aims to provide **subsidized employment** opportunities through competitive grants. The Secretary of Labor is authorized to allocate funds for two distinct grant programs: one for summer employment and another for year-round employment opportunities. Up to $1.8 billion is designated for summer programs, and up to $2.4 billion for year-round programs, for fiscal years 2026 through 2030. A portion of these funds may also be reserved for technical assistance and oversight to support grant recipients. Eligible entities, including states, local governments, Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and community-based organizations, can apply for **planning grants** (up to $250,000 for one year) or **implementation grants** (up to $6 million for three years). These entities must form partnerships with various agencies, such as educational, workforce development, justice, and child welfare agencies, as well as employers. Community-based organizations also require specific government partnerships. Applications for these grants must demonstrate significant local need, such as high youth unemployment or poverty rates, and outline strategic objectives for developing core work readiness skills. These skills include financial literacy, sector-based technical skills, and soft skills like communication and problem-solving. For marginalized youth, basic skills training within the context of career advancement is emphasized. Summer employment programs must offer at least six weeks of work, not exceeding 20 hours per week, with wages at or above the applicable minimum wage. Year-round programs adjust these hours to not more than 15 hours per week for in-school youth and 20-40 hours for out-of-school youth. Both programs require a strong mentorship component, with mentors making regular contact and potentially trained in trauma-informed care or as job coaches. The bill mandates specific allocations to ensure equitable access, reserving 50% of funds for in-school youth and 50% for out-of-school youth in both programs. Additionally, at least 20% of funds must support activities in rural areas, and 5% in tribal areas. Priority is given to entities coordinating with local employers and educational agencies, and those in areas with high indicators of need. Grant funds can cover wages for youth, provide support services like case management and transportation, and develop data management systems. Recipients can reserve up to 10% for administration. The bill also establishes **performance measures** to evaluate program effectiveness, tracking participants' engagement in education or employment and attainment of credentials after program exit. The Secretary will conduct annual reviews of grant recipients and implement a system of continuous quality improvement, offering feedback, creating improvement plans, and providing targeted support. An annual report to Congress will detail program outcomes, recipient activities, and the effectiveness of the quality improvement system, ensuring ongoing accountability and program refinement.