Four lawmakers have come together to introduce a bill that would help youth to boost their economic potential and prepare them for the 21st-century workforce.
On Friday, Senators Tina Smith (D-MN), David Perdue (R-GA), Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) introduced The Youth Workforce Readiness Act of 2019 that will support out-of-school time programs that build knowledge, skills, and learning experiences.
Through the Department of Labor, the bill would establish a competitive grant that will support youth-serving and out-of-school time organizations.
“Our bipartisan bill would help support youth success for years to come by exposing young people to the varied ways they can participate in the workforce,” said Senator Smith, a member of the Senate Education Committee.
The bill would focus on youth workforce readiness in general and essential-skill development, career exposure, employability & certification and work-based learning in particular.
“Currently, there are 7.3 million job openings and only 5.8 million people looking for work,” said Senator Perdue.
“It is important that we invest in the future of America’s workforce by giving children the skills they need to succeed,” he added.
IBM, San Jose State University Partner to Train Skilled Workforce