POLICY UPDATE 8-14-26

August 14, 2026 | Policy

News at NYEC

Registration is Open: NYEC’s DC Summit in Washington, DC – September 21-23! Formerly known as Youth Days, this is our convening that brings together practitioners, youth leaders, and partners to demonstrate the importance of investing in young people and the programs that support them.

Legislative Branch

Rep. Susie Lee (D-NV) Introduces Match Savings Program for Low-Income Students: Congresswoman Susie Lee introduced the bill that would establish a matched savings program for low-income students to help them build savings for higher education expenses. The legislation would provide additional financial support to students with limited resources, helping reduce financial barriers for post-secondary education, and strengthen pathways to economic mobility.
Rep. Donald Davids (D-IL) Introduces Lifelong Learner Act: Congressman Davids introduced the Lifelong Learner Act, which would permit greater flexibility in carrying out incumbent worker training programs.

Executive Branch

White House Highlights Ohio Job Creation Investments: The White House highlighted major private-sector investments in Ohio, including $850 million from aerospace manufacturer Electra to create 1,975 jobs in Springfield and $400 million from Stellantis to create more than 900 jobs at its Toledo Assembly Complex. The investments are expected to expand domestic manufacturing and create new employment opportunities for Ohio workers.

From the States

Minnesota: St. Cloud State University was awarded a $135,000 Minnesota Job Skills Partnership grant to advance workforce development through a partnership with Park Industries. The two-year initiative will provide customized training for 217 employees, focusing on technical skills, leadership development, and digital skills to strengthen the regional workforce.
Maine: Maine launched applications for postsecondary institutions seeking to offer programs eligible for the new Workforce Pell Grant. The state’s approval process will identify short-term workforce training programs aligned with high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand occupations, helping expand access to career-focused training while addressing employer workforce needs.

Resources

ILO Releases 2026 Global Employment Trends for Youth Report: The International Labor Organization’s new report examines the growing challenges facing young people in the global labor market, finding that youth unemployment rose to 12.4% in 2025, with approximately 67 million young people unemployed and 257 million not in employment, education, or training (NEET). The report highlights the decline of middle-skilled jobs, the potential impact of artificial intelligence on entry-level employment, and the need for policies that expand young people’s access to decent work and quality employment opportunities.
Bank of America Expands Workforce Partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Essex, Hudson & Union Counties: Bank of America has announced a $50,000 grant to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Essex, Hudson & Union Counties (BBBSEHU) to expand its Big Futures through the Mentoring & Workforce Development initiative. The investment strengthens a growing corporate community partnership focused on improving career pathways for youth ages 14–24 in underrepresented and low‑income communities across New Jersey.
New America Releases Guidance on Implementing Workforce Pell: New America released guidance on how states can use the first year of Workforce Pell implementation to pilot programs, assess outcomes, and continuously improve and scale high-quality workforce training. The resource highlights strategies of using data, engaging employers, supporting colleges, aligning Workforce Pell with state workforce initiatives, and expanding access to short-term programs that connect students to in-demand careers.

Federal Funding Opportunities

Forecasted HHS Grant: FY 2026 Basic Center Program: The Basic Center Program (BCP) provides temporary, emergency shelter; and counseling services to youth who have left home without permission of their parents or guardians, have been forced to leave home, or other homeless youth who might otherwise end up in the law enforcement or in the child welfare, mental health, or juvenile justice systems. Applications are due August 17, 2026.
Industry-Driven Skills Training Fund Grant Program: The Department of Labor announced the availability of approximately $40 million for a second round of the Industry-Driven Skills Training Fund (“Training Fund”) grants, with at least $5 million of the total available funding to be awarded to support training in the shipbuilding industry. This second round of Training Fund grants is largely the same as the first round from the original Training and Employment Guidance Letter (TEGL) 02-25, but this TEGL 02-25 Change 1 contains several revisions that apply to the second round of applications. All the information applicable to the second round of Training Fund grants can be found here. Applications are due August 17, 2026.
HUD Grant: FY 2026 Continuum of Care Competition and Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program Grants: The Continuum of Care (CoC) Program is designed to promote a community-wide commitment to the goal of ending homelessness and providing funding for efforts by providers. Applications are due August 26, 2026.