WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) and Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) reintroduced the YouthBuild for the Future Act. This legislation reauthorizes $1 billion for the YouthBuild program, a national program that equips opportunity youth with education, employment, and leadership skills.
Opportunity youth are age 16 to 24, no longer in school and disconnected from work opportunities. With nearly one in seven youth in the United States not engaged in school, training, or work, YouthBuild provides young people with the resources necessary to build brighter futures for themselves and their communities. The program serves more than 5,000 opportunity youth in more than 40 states, including Connecticut.
“YouthBuild transforms the lives of young people by helping participants earn their diplomas and confidently step into careers in high-demand fields,” said Congresswoman Jahana Hayes. “The YouthBuild for the Future Act will ensure youth in the Fifth District and across the country can reach their full potential. I am pleased to introduce legislation that will make essential federal investments in one of our greatest resources: our young people.”
“YouthBuild programs uplift communities and connect young people to the educational and job opportunities they need to build a rewarding career and life,” said Senator Markey. “When we invest in YouthBuild, we invest in the future of our children and our communities. Reauthorizing the YouthBuild program and expanding employer partnerships in Massachusetts communities and across the country will ensure our local economies can thrive, and that all young people can live up to their God-given potential.”
The YouthBuild for the Future Act is endorsed by YouthBuild Global, The Forum for Youth Investment, The Corps Network, Voices for National Service, Massachusetts YouthBuild Coalition, Service Year Alliance, New North Citizen’s Council Youth Services, National Youth Employment Coalition, National Collaborative for Transformative Youth Policy, and New Deal for Youth, National Skills Coalition, and Jobs for the Future.
"There are 4.15 million young people in this country between the ages of 16 and 24 who are out of school and out of work — ready to contribute, ready to work and just needing a real chance," said John Valverde, president and CEO of YouthBuild Global. "The YouthBuild for the Future Act is a common-sense investment in that potential. For almost 50 years, YouthBuild programs have connected these young people to the hands-on training, education and support that leads to family-sustaining careers in high-demand fields. When we give them a clear pathway forward, they don't just succeed individually — they strengthen our economy, our communities and our country."
In 2024, the YouthBuild for the Future Act passed the House as part of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). Though YouthBuild programs have continued to receive funding through the annual appropriations process, the program has not been meaningfully updated or reauthorized since Fiscal Year 2020
The YouthBuild for the Future Act would authorize $1 billion for the program over six years and make meaningful program updates. Specifically, the legislation would:
- Authorize a total of $1 billion for YouthBuild programs for Fiscal Years 2027-2032
- Authorize YouthBuild-employer partnerships to deepen private-sector commitment to local programs and participants
- Reserve grants for programs serving rural and tribal communities
- Allow funding for participant meals
- Allow grantees to count YouthBuild funds towards the matching requirement under the National and Community Service Act and
- Require States to share Unemployment Insurance wage data with YouthBuild programs
Read the full text of the bill here.