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119-s-4321119th CongressWALLET

YouthBuild for the Future Act

Sponsored By: Senator Markey, Edward J. [D-MA]

Introduced

Summary

Reauthorizes and expands YouthBuild to boost participant supports and create employer-led training pathways. This bill would raise program funding, reserve money for rural and Native programs, add meals and benefit-application help, and create a dedicated employer partnership grant to scale apprenticeships and employer-aligned training.

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  • Young people in YouthBuild would get more supports. Grants could fund meals, help applying for means-tested benefits including SNAP and child care assistance, and provide supportive services for participants with disabilities.
  • Rural and Native-serving programs would get targeted funding. If annual appropriations exceed $125.0 million, 20 percent of the excess would be reserved for programs in rural areas and for tribal or Native-serving entities.
  • Employers and apprenticeships would gain a new pathway. A new YouthBuild Employer Partnerships grant would fund employer consortia and get $20.0 million per year to expand employer-aligned training and prioritize joint labor-management apprenticeship partnerships.
  • Program oversight and transparency would increase. The Secretary would consult annually with YouthBuild operators, aim for consistent grant timing, and require states to facilitate access to participant wage data while protecting privacy.

*This bill would increase federal spending by authorizing YouthBuild funding from $159.5 million in FY2027 to $203.6 million in FY2032, plus $20.0 million per year for employer partnerships.*

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

More YouthBuild funding and reserves

If enacted, the bill would authorize YouthBuild funding for FY2027 through FY2032: $159.5 million (FY2027), $167.5 million (FY2028), $175.9 million (FY2029), $184.7 million (FY2030), $193.0 million (FY2031), and $203.6 million (FY2032). If a year’s appropriation for YouthBuild is more than $125 million, the Secretary would reserve 20 percent of the amount above $125 million for rural applicants and for tribal or Native programs.

More food, benefits, and disability help

If enacted, YouthBuild programs would be allowed to provide meals and other food assistance when tied to program activities. Programs would also be able to inform participants about and help them apply for means‑tested benefits, including SNAP and State child-care assistance. YouthBuild programs could provide supportive services for individuals with disabilities so they can fully participate.

Grants to link YouthBuild with employers

If enacted, the bill would create a new YouthBuild employer partnership grant program. The Secretary would award grants to consortia made up of a YouthBuild operator and a public or private employer. Applicants would need a local needs assessment, a list of partners, proposed uses of funds, and an evaluation plan. The Secretary would give priority to joint labor‑management apprenticeship partnerships. The bill would authorize $20.0 million per year for FY2027 through FY2032 for this program.

Allow YouthBuild funds for matching rules

If enacted, an entity that receives a YouthBuild grant would be allowed to use part of that grant to meet matching requirements under section 121(e) of the National and Community Service Act or similar rules. That use would be allowed only if the grant funds are used in ways consistent with Section 171(e)(3).

Data, performance, and timing rules

If enacted, States that get YouthBuild grants would have to help program operators access participant wage data for reporting and evaluation while keeping State privacy protections in place. The Secretary would need to consult at least once a year with YouthBuild operators when setting performance expectations. The Secretary would also try to announce YouthBuild funding opportunities around the same time each year to improve predictability.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Markey, Edward J. [D-MA]

MA • D

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [D-NY]

    NY • D

    Sponsored 4/16/2026

  • Sen. Kaine, Tim [D-VA]

    VA • D

    Sponsored 4/16/2026

  • Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE]

    DE • D

    Sponsored 4/16/2026

  • Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR]

    OR • D

    Sponsored 4/27/2026

  • Sen. Luján, Ben Ray [D-NM]

    NM • D

    Sponsored 4/28/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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