POLICY UPDATE 10-9-26

October 9, 2026 | Policy

News at NYEC

Registration Is Open: Dare to Dream! NYEC’s Annual Forum will take place in Cleveland, OH on April 12-14, 2027. Early Bird registration is available now. If you would like to present, submit a proposal by November 17, 2026.
Upcoming DOL Ask Away: You’re invited to National Youth Employment Coalition’s “Ask Away!,” a recurring monthly Q&A session, with the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Division of Youth Services (DYS). The DYS team will be there to answer any questions you might have on policy, performance metrics, eligibility, waivers, and more! Questions can be submitted ahead of time here.
NYEC is launching our second Youth Development Practitioner Apprenticeship (YDPA) cohort: We are looking for organizations that are interested in recruiting, training, and upskilling new OR existing employees in direct service roles. Fill out the interest form for more information.

Legislative Branch

The House and Senate are in recess until November 9.
Representatives and Senator Introduce Bill to Address the Economic and Workforce Impacts of Substance Use Disorder: Reps. Jayapal (D-WA) and Larsen (D-WA), and Senator Markey (D-MA) introduced the Workforce Opportunities for Communities in Recovery Act in both the House and the Senate to amend the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to address the economic and workforce impacts of substance use disorder through a new pilot grant program.
Representatives Introduce Bill to Recruit and Retain Direct Care Workers: Representatives Scott (D-VA), Grijalva (D-AZ), and Lee (D-NV) introduced the Direct CARE Opportunity Act of 2026 to direct the Secretary of Labor to award grants for the recruitment, retention, and advancement of direct care workers.
Senators Introduce Bill to Develop a Comprehensive Federal Talent Strategy: Senators Blunt Rochester (D-DE) and Budd (R-NC) introduced the National Talent Strategy Act of 2026 to direct the Secretary of Labor to establish a working group to develop a comprehensive Federal strategic talent plan.
Representative Introduces Bill to Establish a Gender-based Violence Survivor Workforce Program: Rep. Sykes (D-OH) introduced the Skills Against Violence Act of 2026 to create a grant program to help survivors secure employment, including obtaining employment counseling, occupational training, job retention counseling, and counseling concerning re-entry into the workforce.
Senators Introduce Bill to Establish Jobs Programs for Long-term Unemployed Workers: Senators Van Hollen (D-MD), Murphy (D-CT), Blumenthal (D-CT), Merkley (D-OR), and Wyden (D-OR) introduced the Ready to Work Act of 2026, which would create a jobs initiative for long-term unemployed workers, consisting of jobs programs carried out through local boards.

Executive Branch

President Trump Announces New Manufacturing Investments: President Trump has announced new manufacturing investments in Iowa, Maryland, Alaska, Texas, and Massachusetts.

From the States

California: Governor Newsom signed AB 2422, which protects California college students from penalties caused by financial aid delays beyond their control. The bill was co-sponsored by NYEC Member What We All Deserve.
Pennsylvania: Philadelphia Youth Basketball announced plans to build a new $50 million workforce development facility in North Philadelphia designed to connect young adults with careers in skilled trades, health care and entrepreneurship.
New York: New York State’s Department of Agriculture and Markets announced that $3 million is being awarded to 10 organizations to implement workforce development programs that prepare people for employment in the agriculture or food system sector.

Resources

Afterschool Alliance Blog: From curiosity to careers: How afterschool programs support STEM workforce development. This blog outlines the federal programs that can support education-to-workforce STEM programs.
National Skills coalition Blog: Beyond Workforce Pell: Five Policies States Should Advance Now. This blog describes state policies that can help maximize Workforce Pell’s impact.

Federal Funding Opportunities

OJJDP FY 2026 Multistate Mentoring Programs: This funding opportunity supports the implementation and delivery of mentoring services to youth populations that are at risk or high risk for delinquency, victimization, and going into the juvenile justice system. Mentoring services can be one-on-one, group, peer, or a combination of these types. Applications close October 29, 2026.
BJA FY 2026 Second Chance Act Community-based Reentry Program: This funding opportunity will support community-based organizations and tribal governments to provide mentoring and transitional services for people returning to communities from adult correctional facilities and who are assessed as moderate to high risk for recidivism. Applications close October 30, 2026.