Leveraging Educational Opportunity Networks Act

Grants for living wage job training

This bill would create a competitive Department of Labor grant program to fund new career and technical education (CTE) training. Grants would go to consortia that include at least one qualifying partner, such as a 501(c)(3) or a national training group with members in 10 or more States. Funded CTE programs would run at least 12 weeks, operate in at least 10 States, pay enrollees a living wage, and award a recognized postsecondary credential. At least 70 percent of each grant would have to pay for program development and need-based stipends. Programs would prioritize people who read at or below a 6th-grade level and ensure at least 50 percent of enrollees are offenders, low-income or otherwise underserved. Grants could also pay for transportation, child care, housing, pre-enrollment coaching, internships, and other supportive services. The Secretary would prioritize proposals in specified industries and require annual reports on earnings, employment at 30–90 and 280–365 days after exit, starting wages, and credential attainment. The bill would authorize $30 million per year for fiscal years 2026 through 2029 to carry out the program.