San Joaquin Times

The bipartisan Youth Workforce Readiness Act will provide career education opportunities at after-school programs

In a survey of recent high school graduates, 75% reported feeling moderately, slightly, or not at all prepared; 30% weren’t following any career or educational pathway; and only 25% were regularly exposed to a variety of career options to pursue following graduation

WASHINGTON – On May 17, Reps. Josh Harder (CA-9), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-1), Lucy McBath (D-GA-7), and Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-OR-5) introduced the Youth Workforce Readiness Act. Many employers in Northern California are struggling to fill positions because the jobs require skill sets that can’t be gained without additional training or education. This bipartisan bill would establish a grant for eligible after-school programs to equip the next generation with the skills they'll need to succeed in the workforce. These after-school programs build knowledge and skills, help keep kids out of trouble, and enable learning experiences that will help students thrive in good-paying jobs when they grow up.

The Youth Workforce Readiness Act would support a wide array of education offerings at after-school programs, like the Boys and Girls Club of America, including:

• Leadership development opportunities, financial literacy lessons, and entrepreneurial skills training
• Helping teens obtain summer employment, pre-apprenticeship, and apprenticeship opportunities
• Learning employability skills like communication, collaboration, and critical thinking
• Mentorship opportunities, career counseling and exploration, and academic counseling
• Occupation skills training with a focus on training programs that are aligned with good-paying, in-demand jobs in the local economy

“I can’t think of a better investment in our community than setting our kids up for success,” said Rep. Harder. “Making sure the next generation is well-prepared for the future goes hand-in-hand with filling good-paying jobs here in the Valley. Investing in after-school programs that include career development, academic counseling, hands-on occupation skills training, and learning practical skills like communication and critical thinking will help equip kids with the tools employers want while also providing a safe place for students after school. I’m proud to introduce this bill to give every kid in the Valley a bright future.”

“California is anticipating a big skills gap in the workforce - made even wider due to the last few years,” said Jeanie Miller, Executive Director of Boys & Girls Clubs of Manteca. “Congressman Harder’s leadership in support of policies that meet the needs of youth, like the Youth Workforce Readiness Act, demonstrates his commitment to ensuring our young people are prepared to succeed and contribute to our communities and our economy. We’re excited about the opportunities to build public-private partnerships in Manteca and throughout California that YWRA will create.”

“If today’s young people are going to meet the workforce challenges of tomorrow, they need safe spaces, positive mentorship and work experiences today. Just like the ones offered at out-of-school time providers like Boys & Girls Clubs” said Jim Clark, president and CEO at the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. “But we know we cannot address these challenges alone. Millions of young people face an uncertain future and a competitive job market. The Youth Workforce Readiness Act utilizes the time kids spend after school and during the summer to develop essential skills and create their pathway to a quality career. We are grateful for the leadership of Representatives Harder, Fitzpatrick, Chavez-Deremer and McBath in identifying solutions and opportunities to support youth as they prepare for their futures.”

A recent survey of young people who graduated high school between 2019-2022 shows that students need more support to prepare for their future after high school. These after-school programs can be life-changing for young people, especially those who aren’t getting the guidance, mentorship, or training they need in school or at home. In a survey of recent high school graduates:

• 75% reported feeling moderately, slightly, or not at all prepared;
• 30% reported that they weren’t following any career or educational pathway;
• And only 25% reported their schools regularly exposed them to a variety of career options to pursue following graduation.

Full text of the bill is available here.

Original source can be found here