Youth Workforce Readiness Act offered by Fitzpatrick

To bolster America’s youth workforce, U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) last week introduced a bipartisan, bicameral bill to support out-of-school programs that develop youth career skills and opportunities.

“Setting our country’s kids up for success requires investment in career development and education at a young age,” Rep. Fitzpatrick said.

The congressman on May 19 cosponsored the Youth Workforce Readiness Act of 2021, H.R. 3342, with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Josh Harder (D-CA), while U.S. Sens. Tina Smith (D-MN) and Susan Collins (R-ME) introduced their chamber’s version, S. 1696.

If enacted, the bill would establish a competitive grant through the U.S. Department of Labor to support youth-serving, out-of-school time organizations providing programs focused on youth workforce readiness.

According to Rep. Fitzpatrick’s office, the measure addresses inequities highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic, such as skill-building and career experiences for youth. Afterschool and summer learning programs, such as those offered at Boys & Girls Clubs, could serve as critical youth-serving providers that would help make up for significant learning losses, skills building and the social emotional development impact caused by the ongoing pandemic, his office said.

“I am proud to work with Congressman Harder and partner with the Boys & Girls Club of America, a truly remarkable organization, to find bipartisan solutions like the Youth Workforce Readiness Act that give American kids the tools to accomplish great things,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. 

Jim Clark, president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, has endorsed the bill. “The Youth Workforce Readiness Act recognizes the time kids spend after school and during the summer to develop these skills as critical for ensuring equity for all young people,” he said.