Youth & Young Adult Policy Update 01-30-26

By NYEC | January 30, 2026

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!  
  • Support the Bipartisan Opportunity Youth Caucus!: We invite your organization to sign on to a coalition support letter backing the establishment of the Bipartisan Opportunity Youth Caucus (BOYC), a bipartisan effort led by Congressman Rob Bresnahan (R-PA) and Congressman Troy Carter (D-LA) to elevate federal attention to the needs of opportunity youth and the programs that serve them! Organizations can add their name to the letter by completing this form by Friday, January 30th.  

Legislative Branch:   

  • FY 2026 Appropriations and January 30 Deadline: As of the January 30th funding deadline approaches, the Senate is working to avert a partial government shutdown by advancing a bipartisan appropriations deal that would keep most of the federal government funded through the fiscal year while extending Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding at current levels for another two weeks to allow further negotiations. However, the agreement still needs to clear procedural hurdles in the Senate and then be approved by the House, which is not scheduled to return until next week. 

Executive Branch: 

  • US Department of Labor Announces 2026 National Apprenticeship Week Set for April 26-May 2: The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the 2026 National Apprenticeship Week will take place from April 26-May 2. National Apprenticeship Week 2026 will include events across all 50 states and U.S. territories reflecting the theme, “America at Work: Making America Skilled Again Through Registered Apprenticeship.” Find an Apprenticeship Week event near you or submit a proposal for an event here. 
  • US Department Labor, Arkansas Announce American Manufacturing Apprenticeship Incentive Fund Portal Now Accepting Applications: The U.S. Department of Labor announced the launch of the American Manufacturing Apprenticeship Incentive Fund portal, which will accept applications from eligible Registered Apprenticeship sponsors nationwide. The $35.8 million American Manufacturing Apprenticeship Incentive Fund is designed to incentivize employers nationwide to develop, expand, or join existing advanced manufacturing Registered Apprenticeship programs through a pay-for-performance model. More information about the Fund can be found here, and the application can be found here. 

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: 

  • Colorado: The Colorado National Guard’s Child and Youth Program is expanding with new opportunities designed to support military-connected youth through enrichment, leadership development, and community engagement.  
  • Arizona: The Youth-Serving Workforce Solutions initiative is an Arizona State University–led effort designed to strengthen the youth-serving workforce through research-informed training, resources, and systems support. The initiative focuses on improving workforce stability, effectiveness, and outcomes for young people by investing in the professionals and organizations that serve them. 

Resources: 

  • Data Policy Priorities States Should Champion: The Data Quality Campaign identifies three key data policy priorities states should advance in 2026, including using data to address academic and attendance challenges, strengthening trust in data systems, and helping people navigate a changing job market. Together, these priorities emphasize the importance of high-quality, accessible data to support informed decision-making while protecting privacy. 
  • Vital Document Legal Hotline: The Vital Document Legal Hotline for Youth helps young people obtain critical documents like birth certificates, IDs, and Social Security cards that are essential for housing, education, and employment. By providing free legal assistance and guidance, the program removes common barriers that keep youth from accessing services and opportunities. 
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