A Stronger Workforce for America Act of 2026

The "A Stronger Workforce for America Act of 2026" comprehensively reauthorizes and modernizes the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), aiming to create a more globally competitive workforce. A significant structural change involves transferring all functions of the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act from the Department of Education to the Department of Labor , consolidating workforce and adult education under a single agency. This aims to streamline services and improve coordination between adult education and broader workforce development initiatives. The bill updates definitions, emphasizing "foundational skill needs," "employer-directed skills development," and "evidence-based" practices across programs. It mandates enhanced performance accountability systems for states and local areas, introducing new primary indicators and sanctions for underperformance. States are now required to use real-time labor market information to assess economic conditions and communicate trends to the workforce system. Key provisions include the establishment of "talent marketplaces" to match individuals with employment and learning opportunities using interconnected digital platforms. The legislation revises the identification of eligible training providers, introducing "employer-sponsored" and "Workforce Innovation Leader (WIL)" designations based on rigorous performance criteria. It also increases the minimum percentage of funds local areas must spend on skills development for adults and dislocated workers. New statewide funds are created, such as the Critical Industry Skills Fund for performance-based payments to entities providing training in high-demand industries, and the Industry or Sector Partnership and Career Pathways Development Fund to foster regional economic growth. The bill also introduces incumbent worker upskilling accounts to support existing employees in gaining new skills. Youth workforce investment activities are strengthened with an increased focus on out-of-school youth and a requirement for a significant portion of funds to be used for work experiences , including paid internships and work-based learning. The Job Corps program is modernized, with "centers" renamed "campuses" and new performance assessments and improvement plans. Eligibility for Job Corps is expanded, and campus safety standards are enhanced. The bill establishes new national programs, including Reentry Employment Opportunities for justice-involved individuals and a Youth Apprenticeship Readiness Grant Program to expand pre-apprenticeship and youth apprenticeship programs. A Strengthening Community Colleges Grant Program is also created to improve workforce development programs at community colleges. Additionally, the bill introduces "Make America Skilled Again Grants" as pilot projects for states or local areas to pursue innovative reforms with consolidated funding and rigorous evaluation. Finally, the legislation mandates a report on data capability and interoperability of federal and state databases, aiming to improve data sharing and analysis for workforce programs. It also updates the Wagner-Peyser Act and other related laws to align with these comprehensive reforms.