POLICY UPDATE 9-4-26

September 4, 2026 | Policy

News at NYEC

Last Chance to Join Us: Registration Closes Tuesday for NYEC’s D.C. Summit – September 21-23! This convening brings together practitioners, youth leaders, and partners to demonstrate what’s possible when we invest in young people and the programs that support them. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of the conversation, connect with peers, and help shape what’s next. Registration closes Tuesday, September 8th, 2026!
More Than a Job: Exploring the Basics of SNAP E&T: Join us on September 17th for an exploration of USDA’s Food and Nutrition Administration’s SNAP Employment & Training (E&T) program.

Legislative Branch

Field Hearing on Workforce Development in Military Trade: On September 4^th, at 1:00 PM PT, the Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on Defense will be holding a field hearing titled Industrial Base and Workforce Development for Skilled Trades. Witnesses include the Honorable Michael Cadenazzi, the Assistant Secretary of War for Industrial Base Policy, Eric Chewning, the Executive Vice President of Maritime Systems and Corporate Strategy at Huntington Ingalls Industries, and Dr. Michael Reed the President of the Pennsylvania College of Technology.

Executive Branch

President Trump Signs FY2027 Bill Continuing Resolution: President Trump signed H.R. 6500, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2027, into law on September 2, providing temporary funding for federal agencies through December 11, 2026. The measure maintains federal government operations beyond the September 30 funding deadline and extends authorities for a range of federal programs, giving Congress additional time to negotiate full-year FY2027 appropriations. It also includes language that would halt the OMB Uniform Guidance implementation until the CR’s expiration date, rather that its planned implementation on October 1.

From the States

Arkansas: The U.S. Department of Labor approved Arkansas’s Combined State Workforce Plan, outlining the state’s strategy for coordinating workforce development programs and services. The plan provides a framework for strengthening workforce services and connecting job seekers with employment and training opportunities across the state.
Ohio: Ohio’s JobsOhio has launched an Earn and Learn program as part of a $300 million workforce development initiative designed to connect workers with employers and address shortages in skilled technical occupations. The program provides participating companies up to $10,000 per employee who completes an eligible training pathway, with Youngstown State University and other education partners helping develop programs aligned with regional employer needs.

Resources

JFF Releases Analysis, “From Flexibility to Action: What States’ WIOA Waiver Requests Tell Us About the Future of Workforce Reform: Jobs For the Future released an analysis that examines recent WIOA waiver requests from states and how they are using federal flexibility to reshape workforce systems, highlighting emerging approaches to workforce reform and service delivery.
September Funding Roundup 2026: Impact funding dedicated newsletter released its September funding roundup list, which includes 201 opportunities across seven sectors and $516M+ in competitive funding. Non-profits, workforce, and youth engagement funding are included.

Federal Funding Opportunities

BJA Grant: FY 2026 Second Chance Act Improving Reentry Education and Employment Outcomes Grant: This opportunity supports state, local, and tribal governments and community-based organizations to provide education and employment programs for adults and youth leaving prison and jail. The goal of the program is to improve academic and vocational/trade programs available to adults and youth in prisons and jails and expand workforce development and career pathways that result in improved job readiness, employment attainment, and retention. Applications are due September 24, 2026.
OVC FY 2026 Housing Assistance for Victims of Human Trafficking: This is a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) for the OVC FY 2026 Housing Assistance for Victims of Human Trafficking. This opportunity will fund organizations that provide housing and associated support services to victims of human trafficking as defined by 22 U.S.C. § 7102(11). The primary focus of this program is to provide rapid rehousing (i.e., transitional housing and supportive services that assist human trafficking victims in moving as quickly as possible into permanent housing and achieving stability). Applications close September 28, 2026.
OVC FY 2026 Integrated Services for Minor Victims of Human Trafficking: This is a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) for the OVC FY 2026 Integrated Services for Minor Victims of Human Trafficking. This opportunity will fund projects to enhance the availability, quality, and delivery of services to assist minor victims of human trafficking as defined in 22 U.S.C. § 7102(11). Applications close September 28, 2026.
OVC FY 2026 Services for Victims of Human Trafficking: This is a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) for the OVC FY 2026 Services for Victims of Human Trafficking. This opportunity will develop, expand, and strengthen victim service programs for victims of human trafficking, as defined by 22 U.S.C. § 7102(11). Applications close September 29, 2026.
OVC FY 2026 Preventing Trafficking of Girls: This is a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) for the OVC FY 2026 Preventing Trafficking of Girls. This opportunity will support prevention and early intervention services for girls who are at risk of, or are victims of, human trafficking as defined by 22 U.S.C. § 7102(11). Applications close September 29, 2026.