DC Youth and Young Adult Update 01-16-26
News at NYEC:
- Join NYEC in Houston, TX for Rooted in Action: 2026 Annual Forum! The National Youth Employment Coalition will head to Houston, TX from March 30 – April 1, 2026 for our annual convening of 450+ direct service providers, practitioners, community leaders, employers, and young adults. Across three days, participants will cultivate connections; share innovative strategies, proven practices, and community-driven solutions; and explore how collective strength, perseverance, and action can drive meaningful, systemic change. Join us as we work together to increase opportunity and improve education and employment outcomes for all young people!
Legislative Branch:
- House Education and Workforce Committee: Walberg Holds First Hearing in AI Series: On Wednesday, January 14th, the House Committee on Education and Workforce held the first hearing in a series examining how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is impacting the workforce, job training, and education, titled “Building an AI-Ready America.” The full hearing can be viewed here
Executive Branch:
- Department of Education and Department of Labor Announce Next Steps in Postsecondary Partnership: The U.S. Departments of Education and Labor announce additional steps to implement their Postsecondary Education Partnership, including changes to how certain postsecondary grants are administered and coordinated across agencies. The departments say the goal is to improve alignment between education and workforce programs. This shift is in alignment with the Department of Education’s returning education to the states initiative
Federal Funding Opportunities with upcoming deadlines:
- DOL Grant: YouthBuild 2025: DOL will award grants through a competitive process to eligible public or private non-profit organizations or Tribal entities to provide pre-apprenticeship occupational skills training, education, and job placement services to opportunity youth. YouthBuild prepares participants for quality jobs in various industry sectors, and includes wrap-around supportive services such as assistance in transportation, childcare, and housing. Applications are due March 2, 2026.
- Forecasted DOL Grant: Pay-for-Performance Incentive Payments Program (PfP IPP): The Pay-for-Performance Incentive Payments Program will focus on incentivizing the expansion and growth of the National Apprenticeship System, specifically in industries with a firmly established program infrastructure that will make a significant contribution to the Administration’s goal of exceeding 1 million active apprentices. Applications are estimated to be due March 20, 2026.
From the States:
- New York: Cornell Cooperative Extension Cayuga County transformed the iconic Milk Bar at the New York State Fair into a youth workforce training program. Today, local teens gain hands-on job experience while learning about New York’s dairy industry in the classroom and on farms.
- New Jersey: New Jersey introduced a Youth Mental Health Strategic Plan to strengthen prevention, early intervention, and access to care. The initiative seeks to expand community, and school supports and improve outcomes for young people.
Resources:
- Work Permits Reduce Child Labor Violations: New research shows that states requiring youth work permits have significantly fewer child labor violations and involve fewer minors in those violations because the permits make employers more aware of legal protections and create accountability. The findings suggest that strengthening work permit systems can better protect young workers and improve compliance with child labor standards.
- Improving Outcomes Through Youth Apprenticeships: This report explores how expanding youth apprenticeship opportunities can help keep young people connected to both school and work while supporting smoother transitions into meaningful careers. It highlights youth apprenticeship as a promising strategy to reduce disconnection and improve long-term economic and educational outcomes for opportunity youth.