Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick, Josh Harder, Mark Pocan and Lisa McClain, along with Sens. Tina Smith, Lindsey Graham, Ron Wyden and Susan Collins recently introduced the Youth Workforce Readiness Act.
The legislation will support out-of-school time programs that build knowledge and skills, and enable learning experiences that will help youth prepare for the 21st-century workforce and boost their economic potential over a lifetime. The bill addresses inequities that have become even more prevalent since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic — addressing the skills gap and supporting skill-building programs and career experiences and opportunities starting at an earlier age through job placement.
“Setting our country’s kids up for success requires investment in career development and education at a young age,” Fitzpatrick said. “I am proud to work with Congressman Harder and partner with the Boys & Girls Club of America, a truly remarkable organization, to find bipartisan solutions like the Youth Workforce Readiness Act that give American kids the tools to accomplish great things.”
The bill establishes a competitive grant through the U.S. Department of Labor to support youth-serving, out-of-school time organizations providing programs focused on business partnerships.
