Empower Youth. Build Skills. Support Workforce Readiness.

According to the SHRM Foundation, nearly 4.7 million people in the U.S. ages 16 to 24 — about 12% of that population — are neither in school nor working, a group referred to as “opportunity youth.” This bipartisan bill would create a competitive grant program to expand out-of-school-time workforce readiness programs. It supports career exploration, employability skills, job readiness training, mentoring, and work-based learning opportunities. The bill also ensures these programs are age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate — meeting youth where they are and preparing them for long-term success in the workforce.

SHRM supports legislation that invests in building a future-ready workforce by expanding access to education, training, and career development for eligible youth. By fostering stronger connections between youth and employers, this legislation helps address the training, skills, and employment needs of opportunity youth and other eligible participants.