Bill > HR291

This bill, known as the "CAREERS Act" (Creating Access to Rural Employment and Education for Resilience and Success Act), proposes significant amendments to the Rural Innovation Stronger Economy Grant Program administered by the Department of Agriculture. The bill expands the types of eligible entities that can participate in workforce training programs to include area career and technical education schools and ensures local workforce development board involvement in career pathway programs. It broadens the program's focus to address workforce challenges in rural communities across various industry sectors, including telecommunications, healthcare, manufacturing, agribusiness, and others. The bill introduces formal definitions for "career pathway" and "industry or sector partnership" and requires grant recipients to demonstrate their ability to address issues like worker displacement, an aging workforce, and youth migration. Additionally, the bill requires more comprehensive reporting on program outcomes, tracking metrics such as skills development, credential attainment, employment, and earnings. The amendments extend the program's authorization from 2019-2023 to 2025-2030, with implementation to occur within one year of the Act's enactment. These changes aim to create more targeted, flexible, and effective workforce development initiatives in rural areas by aligning training programs more closely with local economic needs and industry demands.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Business and Industry

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/291/all-info