YouthBuild for the Future Act

This bill reauthorizes the YouthBuild program, significantly increasing its authorized appropriations from fiscal year 2027 through 2032, reaching over $200 million by the final year. It aims to strengthen the program's ability to serve disadvantaged youth by expanding eligible activities and establishing new funding priorities. Specifically, if appropriations exceed $125 million, 20 percent of the excess funds must be reserved for grants to programs in rural areas and those serving Indians, Alaska Natives, or Native Hawaiians . The legislation expands eligible YouthBuild activities to include providing meals and food assistance , assisting participants in applying for federal and state benefits like SNAP, and offering supportive services for individuals with disabilities . It also allows YouthBuild grant funds to be used as matching funds for other National and Community Service Act programs and updates terminology, replacing "youth offender" with "youth justice-involved individual." The Secretary is required to consult annually with YouthBuild entities to set performance levels and to announce funding opportunities consistently each year. A new section establishes the YouthBuild Employer Partnerships program, authorizing $20 million annually from FY2027 to FY2032. This program will award grants to consortia comprising a YouthBuild program and a public or private employer to develop and expand employment and training opportunities for participants. Priority will be given to partnerships involving joint labor-management apprenticeship programs , ensuring that training aligns with local labor market demands.