Infrastructure: The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), signed into law by President Biden in November 2021, is a major piece of legislation aimed at addressing America's infrastructure needs. The bill allocates $1.2 trillion (about $3,700 per person in the US) for infrastructure over the next decade, including $110 billion for roads, bridges, and major projects to repair or replace deteriorating infrastructure. An example of infrastructure funding being utilized for youth workforce development is the Opportunity Foundation’s purchase of land in Oregon to create their first campus. This campus will expand the Foundation’s Heart of Oregon program, which provides a pathway to success for young adults aged 16-24 who are disconnected from traditional school or employment but possess the potential to flourish with targeted support. Through a comprehensive program model, these individuals gain vital employment skills, job training, educational advancement, and community service opportunities. This transformative experience builds confidence and empowers youth to reshape their lives while contributing to meaningful projects that enrich Central Oregon. Valuable hands-on experience in construction, engineering, and related trades, these earn and learn opportunities provide immediate income while building valuable skills. 

Transportation: Enacted in November 2021, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) represents a significant legislative effort under President Biden to modernize and improve America's transportation infrastructure. The bill allocates $39 billion for public transportation, including improving existing transit systems and expanding access, and $66 billion for passenger and freight rail, modernizing Amtrak and enhancing rail service across the country. An example of the Department of Transportation funding youth workforce development occurred in the state of Washington, as they launched a Summer Youth Transportation Program. The Summer Youth Transportation Program was created to introduce high school students, with a focus on underrepresented groups including young minorities, women, and disadvantaged individuals, to diverse career pathways within the transportation industry. By sparking their interest and providing valuable insights, the University hoped to inspire them to pursue future vocations in this field. Project leaders leveraged best practices from the FHWA National Summer Transportation Institute (NSTI) to develop a tailored curriculum, create engaging course materials, and conduct targeted outreach to recruit students for summer courses at both the University of Washington (UW) and Washington State University (WSU). 

Environment: The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), signed by President Biden in November 2021, is key legislation targeting improvements to the US’s environment. The law included $55 billion to replace lead pipes and improve water systems to ensure clean drinking water for communities, investments in water treatment, cleanup of PFAS (toxic chemicals), and infrastructure to combat droughts and floods. An example of funding designed for environmental projects impacting youth workforce development took place in Illinois. In a significant step towards achieving its 2050 net-zero emissions target, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), in partnership with Stellantis, announced the Battery Workforce Challenge. This multifaceted initiative, featuring a collegiate engineering competition, vocational training, and youth STEM education, directly addresses the urgent need for a skilled domestic workforce in the rapidly expanding EV and battery industry. The development of advanced batteries and a qualified workforce are essential to electrifying the transportation and energy sectors, thereby combating the climate crisis. 

Broadband: President Biden signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) into law in November 2021, initiating a major federal investment to address the nation's broadband requirements. The Act included $65 billion to expand broadband access, particularly in underserved rural areas, ensuring all Americans have access to high-speed internet. An example of broadband funding being utilized for youth workforce development is in Idaho. The Communications Workers of America (CWA) is at the forefront of building a skilled workforce for the nation's infrastructure future, securing approximately $7 million in Department of Labor grants for worker-driven apprenticeship programs. These initiatives will elevate industry labor standards, while opening doors to high-quality employment opportunities for underrepresented populations, directly stemming from President Biden's substantial infrastructure investments. By cultivating a well-trained workforce, CWA is playing a pivotal role in ensuring the successful rollout of the IIJA, delivering reliable, high-speed broadband to communities across America.