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 partnership grant program. It updates program rules, funding reservations, participant eligibility language, and authorized funding levels through fiscal year 2032.

Sec. 2, YouthBuild program: The bill amends the YouthBuild program by reserving 20% of funds above $125,000,000 for rural areas and for tribes or Native organizations. It adds allowable uses of grant funds including providing meals and food assistance, helping participants apply 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 bill replaces the term "youth offender" with "youth justice-involved individual" and "basic skills deficient" with "have foundational skill needs." It requires the Secretary to consult annually with YouthBuild program operators on performance levels, and to release funding opportunity announcements at the same time each year. States must facilitate access to wage data for program operators while protecting participant privacy. Authorized appropriations are set at $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: The bill creates a new grant program for consortia consisting of a YouthBuild program operator and a public or private employer. Grants are to develop partnerships and create employment and training opportunities for YouthBuild participants. Applications must include a needs assessment, partnership description, proposed uses of funds, and evaluation plan. Priority is given to consortia partnering with a joint labor-management apprenticeship program. Funds must be used for partnerships and opportunities aligned with local labor market needs. Authorized appropriations are $20,000,000 for each fiscal year 2027 through 2032.