This bill aims to enhance job opportunities for historically underserved youth in Nebraska by establishing a grant program under the Department of Labor. It amends existing statutes to create a five-year pilot grant program that will provide funding to entities committed to offering job training, employment, and mentorship opportunities to youth who are 18 years or younger and face various challenges such as homelessness, low-income backgrounds, or involvement in the juvenile justice system. The program will initially be implemented in select metropolitan and rural areas, with plans for statewide expansion based on an evaluation of its effectiveness.

Key provisions include the establishment of eligibility criteria for grant applicants, which require entities to demonstrate a commitment to hiring historically underserved youth and providing structured job training programs. The bill also outlines the responsibilities of grant recipients, including annual reporting on employment outcomes and skill attainment. Additionally, it expresses the Legislature's intent to appropriate $20 million annually for the grant program, with strict limits on administrative costs to ensure that the majority of funds are directed toward direct support for youth. The bill repeals previous sections of law that are no longer applicable.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 48-622.02, 48-622.03