This bill, titled the "Youth Workforce Readiness Act of 2025," establishes a competitive grant program administered by the Secretary of Labor. The program aims to fund comprehensive out-of-school-time workforce readiness initiatives for eligible youth, defined as individuals aged 6 to 18 (or 19 if still in secondary school). Grants will be awarded for periods of three to five years to increase access to education and training, integrate workforce and education systems, improve workforce quality, and engage employers in addressing youth employment needs. Eligible entities for these grants are national youth-serving organizations with active chapters in at least 35 states, demonstrating a focus on youth workforce readiness. These organizations will implement programs through community-based organizations or covered partnerships, which include collaborations with industry, local educational agencies, or private employers. Applications must detail equitable geographic distribution, target underserved communities, utilize effective strategies, and coordinate with existing federal, state, and local programs. Program activities encompass a wide range of services, including career pathways, paid and unpaid work experiences like apprenticeships and internships, and occupational skill training leading to recognized postsecondary credentials for youth aged 15 and older. For all eligible youth, services include leadership development, adult mentoring for at least 12 months, comprehensive guidance and counseling, financial literacy, entrepreneurial skills training, and activities to develop fundamental employability skills such as communication and critical thinking. The bill also allows for professional development for educators and the creation of resources to assist employers working with youth. The bill mandates that funded programs be evaluated based on objective data and established performance measures, tracking youth success through indicators like improved attendance, grades, career competencies, and high school graduation. The Secretary will conduct periodic evaluations to refine and improve programs, with results influencing grant renewals. Furthermore, the bill reestablishes **Youth Councils** as subgroups within local Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) boards, ensuring youth interests are represented and advise on workforce development decisions. The bill authorizes an appropriation of **$100,000,000** for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to carry out its provisions.
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
Labor and Employment
Youth Workforce Readiness Act of 2025
USA119th CongressHR-2910| House
| Updated: 4/14/2025
This bill, titled the "Youth Workforce Readiness Act of 2025," establishes a competitive grant program administered by the Secretary of Labor. The program aims to fund comprehensive out-of-school-time workforce readiness initiatives for eligible youth, defined as individuals aged 6 to 18 (or 19 if still in secondary school). Grants will be awarded for periods of three to five years to increase access to education and training, integrate workforce and education systems, improve workforce quality, and engage employers in addressing youth employment needs. Eligible entities for these grants are national youth-serving organizations with active chapters in at least 35 states, demonstrating a focus on youth workforce readiness. These organizations will implement programs through community-based organizations or covered partnerships, which include collaborations with industry, local educational agencies, or private employers. Applications must detail equitable geographic distribution, target underserved communities, utilize effective strategies, and coordinate with existing federal, state, and local programs. Program activities encompass a wide range of services, including career pathways, paid and unpaid work experiences like apprenticeships and internships, and occupational skill training leading to recognized postsecondary credentials for youth aged 15 and older. For all eligible youth, services include leadership development, adult mentoring for at least 12 months, comprehensive guidance and counseling, financial literacy, entrepreneurial skills training, and activities to develop fundamental employability skills such as communication and critical thinking. The bill also allows for professional development for educators and the creation of resources to assist employers working with youth. The bill mandates that funded programs be evaluated based on objective data and established performance measures, tracking youth success through indicators like improved attendance, grades, career competencies, and high school graduation. The Secretary will conduct periodic evaluations to refine and improve programs, with results influencing grant renewals. Furthermore, the bill reestablishes **Youth Councils** as subgroups within local Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) boards, ensuring youth interests are represented and advise on workforce development decisions. The bill authorizes an appropriation of **$100,000,000** for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030 to carry out its provisions.