YouthBuild for the Future Act

This bill reauthorizes and amends the YouthBuild program under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, and creates a new YouthBuild Employer Partnerships grant program. It updates program rules, funding reservations, authorized appropriations, and eligible activities.

Sec. 2, YouthBuild program amendments: When annual appropriations exceed $125,000,000, the Secretary must reserve 20% of the excess for rural area grants and for programs operated by tribes or for Indians, Alaska Natives, or Native Hawaiians. After that reservation, remaining funds may be used for other YouthBuild grants. The list of allowable program activities is expanded to include providing meals and food assistance, informing and assisting participants in applying for Federal and State means-tested benefits like SNAP and child care assistance, and providing supportive services for individuals with disabilities. Grant recipients may use a portion of their grant to meet matching fund requirements under the National and Community Service Act. The term "youth offender" is replaced with "youth justice-involved individual," and "basic skills deficient" is replaced with "have foundational skill needs." The Secretary must consult annually with YouthBuild program operators when setting expected performance levels. The Secretary must, to the greatest extent practicable, announce new grant funding opportunities at the same time each year. States receiving grants must facilitate access to participant wage data for program operators, without reducing privacy protections. Authorized appropriations are: $159,500,000 for FY2027; $167,500,000 for FY2028; $175,900,000 for FY2029; $184,700,000 for FY2030; $193,000,000 for FY2031; and $203,600,000 for FY2032.

Sec. 3, YouthBuild employer partnerships: A new section 171A is added to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. Using funds appropriated under a new section 172(e), the Secretary shall award grants to eligible consortia to develop partnerships and create employment and training opportunities for YouthBuild participants. An eligible consortium must include a YouthBuild program operator and a public or private employer. Applications must include a needs assessment, a description of partnerships, proposed uses of funds, and an evaluation plan. Priority is given to consortia proposing a partnership with a joint labor-management apprenticeship program. Grant funds must be used to develop, implement, or expand employment and training opportunities aligned with local labor market needs. There is authorized to be appropriated $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2032 for this new program.