U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn (R-IA) on Nov. 20 sponsored legislation that would call on the federal government to conduct a comprehensive study of the federal, state, and private-sector programs that support technical job training, on-the-job training, and apprenticeships for current and former foster youth.
The bipartisan Fostering the Future for American Children and Families Act, H.R. 6221, which is cosponsored by U.S. Reps. Don Bacon (R-NE) and Greg Landsman (D-OH), would codify a recent Trump Administration executive order aimed at improving outcomes for children in the foster care system.
“As a father and former foster parent to two amazing girls my wife and I adopted, I know the barriers foster youth face when transitioning into adulthood,” Rep. Nunn said. “I was proud to join President Trump for the launch of the First Lady’s Fostering the Future initiative. I’m even prouder to help codify this common-sense effort to give youth aging out of foster care real tools to continue their education, find a job, and build a strong, stable future.”
Trump on Nov. 13 signed the executive order launching the Fostering the Future initiative, which directs federal agencies to improve access to training, apprenticeships, and career support for foster youth.
If enacted, H.R. 6221 would codify and expand the initiative by directing the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services and Labor to conduct a nationwide study of current workforce and apprenticeship programs for foster youth to evaluate program effectiveness, identify gaps, and recommend improvements to expand career pathways.
The bill also would establish the Fostering the Future Pipeline Program, a $50-million competitive grant initiative to support states, nonprofits, schools, and private-sector partners in providing technical training and apprenticeships in high-demand fields like healthcare, IT, skilled trades, and agriculture, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Nunn’s staff.
“We’re talking about kids with enormous potential and talent who have faced the kind of adversity very few people know or can even comprehend,” said Rep. Landsman. “They deserve every resource and opportunity we can provide to ensure they are successful.”
The Fostering the Future for American Children and Families Act is endorsed by the National Foster Youth Institute.