Bill > HB455

This bill establishes the Building a Better Future Grant Program within the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry to provide grants to organizations offering comprehensive education and workforce training to young adults aged 16-24 who have been disconnected from educational opportunities. Eligible organizations must be located in Pennsylvania and focused on construction and building trades, with potential additional workforce development offerings in areas like healthcare and customer service. To qualify for grants, organizations must serve participants from low-income families who meet at least two specific criteria, such as having a criminal record, being a child of an incarcerated parent, experiencing homelessness, or having dropped out of school. Grant recipients must provide at least two types of services, including work experience, skills training, counseling, leadership development, and career services. The department will develop guidelines for the grant application process, and grants are limited to $1,000,000 per organization, with up to 5% of funds potentially allocated to a statewide nonprofit for technical assistance. The bill appropriates $5,000,000 from the General Fund for the program and allows the department to seek additional funding from restricted accounts, grants, and donations. Organizations receiving grants must submit program and fiscal reports as required by the department.

Labor and Employment

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=455