Bill > S299

This bill establishes a competitive grant program to support youth mentoring programs designed to help eligible youth develop cognitive and social-emotional skills, prepare for academic and career success, and provide workforce opportunities. The bill defines "eligible youth" broadly to include in-school and out-of-school youth facing various challenges such as academic struggles, family hardships, or community risks. Grants will be awarded to community-based organizations and partnerships for up to three years to create mentoring programs that provide structured, long-term mentoring relationships with trained and screened mentors. These programs must offer activities like career exploration, work-based learning experiences, academic support, leadership development, and social-emotional skill building. Priority will be given to programs serving youth in high-poverty, rural, or high-risk communities. The bill also mandates a comprehensive reporting system to track participant demographics and outcomes, and requires the Department of Labor to conduct a study evaluating the effectiveness of mentoring programs in promoting youth development and career readiness. The program is authorized to receive funding from fiscal years 2026 through 2030, with the goal of supporting youth in overcoming barriers to educational and professional success.

Health and Social Services

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/299/all-info