Bill > HB1449

This bill establishes the "Youth Workforce Development Program" within the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development, designed to provide opportunities for at-risk youth aged 12-20, particularly those involved in the juvenile justice system, to enter the workforce and develop essential skills. The program initially targets 500 participants in counties with over one million inhabitants or cities not within a county, and focuses on job training, creating certification programs in high-demand industries, establishing internships and apprenticeships, providing life and soft skills training, and offering educational support about relationships and financial decision-making. Participants can be referred by juvenile courts, the Department of Social Services, or schools, and the program aims to collaborate with local businesses, community organizations, and faith-based groups to create workforce opportunities. A dedicated fund will be created to support the program, covering expenses like transportation, child care, mental health services, and internship stipends. The department will be required to submit an annual report to state leadership detailing program participation, employment rates, recidivism rates, and program efficacy. The program is set to automatically sunset after six years unless reauthorized, ensuring ongoing evaluation and potential improvement of its effectiveness in supporting youth development and workforce integration.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1449&year=2025&code=R