HR 3246: Connecting Youth to Jobs Act

This act would create federally subsidized employment opportunities by providing States and local areas with funds for employment programs that lead to unsubsidized, full time employment or provide necessary skills for postsecondary credentials. The act identifies youth with barriers to employment as youth of color, out-of-school youth, low-income youth, youth impacted by the criminal justice system or foster care, and youth experiencing homelessness. Participants must be between 14 and 24 years old. Further, the act sets the minimum wage for programs at $15. The act would establish a $10 billion competitive grant for providing wraparound services to youth employment program participants and work-based learning opportunities for youth, including housing, health ccare, transportation, child care, and access to technology.