H.R.2910 - Youth Workforce Readiness Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2910, the Youth Workforce Readiness Act of 2025, aims to establish a competitive grant program supporting out-of-school-time youth workforce readiness programs. These programs would focus on employability skills development, career exploration, employment readiness training, mentoring, work-based learning, and workforce opportunities for eligible youth aged 6-18 (or 19 if in secondary school). The bill authorizes appropriations of $100,000,000 annually from 2026 through 2030.
The Act emphasizes partnerships between community-based organizations, industry, educational agencies, and employers. It also re-establishes youth councils within local workforce development boards to better represent youth interests.
The bill outlines specific program activities, evaluation metrics, and reporting requirements to ensure program effectiveness and accountability.
Expected Effects
The Youth Workforce Readiness Act is likely to increase the availability of structured workforce development programs for young people, particularly those from underserved communities. This could lead to improved employability skills and better career prospects for participating youth.
Re-establishment of youth councils will likely increase youth involvement in local workforce development decisions. The grant program could stimulate innovation in out-of-school-time programming focused on workforce readiness.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to workforce development programs for youth, especially those from underserved communities.
- Improved employability skills and career readiness among participating youth.
- Enhanced coordination between community organizations, educational institutions, and employers.
- Greater youth involvement in local workforce development planning through re-established youth councils.
- Potential for innovation and best practice development in out-of-school-time workforce programs.
Potential Disadvantages
- The effectiveness of the program depends on the quality of the programs funded and the ability of grantees to implement them effectively.
- Limited funding may restrict the number of youth served and the geographic reach of the program.
- Administrative overhead associated with grant applications, reporting, and evaluation could divert resources from direct program services.
- The definition of "eligible youth" as young as age 6 may raise concerns about developmentally appropriate activities.
- Potential for programs to supplant rather than supplement existing youth programs if not carefully managed.
Constitutional Alignment
The Youth Workforce Readiness Act appears to align with the Constitution's broad mandate to "promote the general Welfare" (Preamble). Congress has the power to appropriate funds for programs that support education and workforce development under the Necessary and Proper Clause (Article I, Section 8).
The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, but this Act does not appear to infringe on state authority, as it establishes a voluntary grant program. The Act does not appear to violate any specific constitutional provision.
However, the Act's emphasis on community-based organizations, including faith-based organizations, raises potential Establishment Clause concerns (Amendment I) if funds are used to promote religious activities. Careful oversight is needed to ensure compliance.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).