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 program that will provide grants to entities committed to hiring and training youth who are at risk or from low-income backgrounds. The program will initially be implemented in select metropolitan and rural areas to assess its effectiveness before a statewide rollout. The bill outlines eligibility criteria for grant applicants, including the requirement to demonstrate a commitment to hiring historically underserved youth and providing necessary job training and mentorship.

Additionally, the bill modifies the Nebraska Training and Support Cash Fund to include provisions for awarding these grants, with an intent to appropriate $20 million annually for this purpose. It specifies that no more than 1% of the funds can be used for administrative costs, ensuring that the majority of the funding directly supports the grant program. The bill also mandates annual reporting on the program's impact, including metrics on youth employment outcomes and skill attainment, to ensure accountability and transparency in the use of funds.

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