I will soon introduce legislation extending the Schools-to-Work grant program for an additional five years. The program is currently set to expire on June 30, 2024.

Since its establishment in 2019, the Schools-to-Work grant program has created pathways for high school students to enter stable, well-paying jobs in their communities and aided employers in filling critical vacancies in the midst of our state’s workforce shortage. Through classroom training, workplace visits, internships, apprenticeships, mentorships, employment opportunities, job shadowing, externships and more, these grants have helped to address youth unemployment across the state while preparing students for long-term careers. In 2022, $2.5 million grant dollars were awarded to 12 geographically and industrially diverse recipients. A further $3.5 million will be awarded this year as part of the program’s 4th and, final round of grants, if no action is taken by the General Assembly.

My legislation changes the program’s expiration date from June 30, 2024 to June 30, 2029 or five years from the effective date of the legislation, whichever is longer. This legislation does not provide for funding of the program and, as in years past, additional funding must be appropriated through separate enactment.

Additionally, in response to input from stakeholders and the Department of Labor & Industry which administers the program, this legislation also expands the entities that may apply for program grants to include schools, local workforce development boards, and nonprofit organizations involved in workforce development including those supporting adult learners.

Please join me in extending a successful grant program and supporting our Commonwealth’s young workers by cosponsoring this legislation.
 

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 1730: P.L.30, No.14