The Youth Workforce Readiness Act establishes a five-year pilot program aimed at enhancing workforce readiness for youth aged 12 to 18, with the possibility of including those aged 10 for career awareness programming. The program, administered by the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development, will provide competitive grants totaling $5 million to community-based organizations that offer out-of-school time programs. These grants are intended to support activities such as employability skills development, career exploration, mentoring, and work-based learning opportunities. Priority will be given to programs serving youth from low-income households, justice-involved youth, and those at risk of disconnection from school or work.

Eligible entities must be youth-serving organizations that demonstrate expertise in workforce development and submit an application detailing their proposed program activities. The bill outlines specific requirements for program implementation, evaluation, and reporting, including the collection of data to measure success and the effectiveness of the programs. Additionally, the Commissioner is tasked with submitting a report evaluating the program's effectiveness and providing recommendations for its future within six months of the pilot's conclusion. The appropriated funds are designated to supplement existing resources for youth programs, ensuring that they do not replace other federal, state, or local funding.