“Everyone has a role — employers, workers, educators, and policymakers — to ensure talent pipelines are strong and accessible. Advocacy is how we turn shared responsibility into real progress.”
Emily M. Dickens
Chief of Staff, Head of Government Affairs, and Corporate Secretary at SHRM
Public policy must support the infrastructure of work, including the education-to-employment pipeline. Employers cannot — and should not — shoulder the responsibility alone. Building a workforce ready for today’s jobs and tomorrow’s economy requires coordinated investment in education, skills development, and career readiness. Public policy must align these systems to ensure learners transition smoothly into the labor market, equipped with the tools that employers need.
Through advocacy, we promote policies that drive upskilling, reskilling, and equitable access to opportunity for all.
SHRM’s Fifth Annual August In-District Advocacy Campaign
During Congress’ August recess, SHRM members made their voices heard as lawmakers returned home to meet with constituents. Our advocates used this opportunity to emphasize the importance of strengthening the education-to-employment pipeline.
In conversations with congressional leaders, SHRM members underscored the need for coordinated efforts and strategic investment across every stage of the talent journey — from education to employment. They raised awareness of the workforce challenges impacting employers today and advocated for data-driven policy solutions that support scalable, systemic reforms to close skills gaps and expand access to opportunity.
Advocacy Matters
Connect with your members of Congress to support legislation that strengthens the workforce. Review the featured bills below and add your voice to the conversation.
Urge Congress to Reauthorize WIOA
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) is critical to ensuring workers gain the skills they need and employers can access a job-ready talent pool. As Congress considers reauthorization, SHRM urges action to modernize WIOA so it reflects today’s workforce needs—by streamlining access to training, supporting diverse workers and employers, and promoting skills-based hiring. HR professionals and advocates have an important role to play in urging Congress to act now.
Support the Connecting Small Businesses with Career and Technical Education Graduates Act of 2025
Millions of young people in the U.S. are disconnected from school and work, limiting their future opportunities. The bipartisan Youth Workforce Readiness Act of 2025 would fund programs that provide career exploration, job readiness training, mentoring, and work-based learning — helping “opportunity youth” gain the skills they need for long-term success. SHRM supports this bill because it strengthens the education-to-employment pipeline and connects youth with employers to build a future-ready workforce. Take action today to help prepare the next generation of workers.
Support the Youth Workforce Readiness Act of 2025
(H.R.2910)
Millions of young people in the U.S. are disconnected from school and work, limiting their future opportunities. The bipartisan Youth Workforce Readiness Act of 2025 would fund programs that provide career exploration, job readiness training, mentoring, and work-based learning — helping “opportunity youth” gain the skills they need for long-term success. SHRM supports this bill because it strengthens the education-to-employment pipeline and connects youth with employers to build a future-ready workforce. Take action today to help prepare the next generation of workers.
The Importance of Advocacy
Meeting the demands of the future of work will require robust private-public partnership, with federal policymakers serving as a key player. SHRM is committed to advancing policies that help organizations build and access diverse talent pipelines. SHRM and its membership stand ready to engage with policymakers on all levels to make impactful, lasting changes that benefit work, workers, and workplaces.
Want to be informed about advocacy opportunities? Share your insights in a brief Advocacy Team survey.
To learn more, contact SHRM Government Affairs at governmentaffairs@shrm.org