Bill > S1788

This bill establishes a comprehensive framework for enhancing Civilian Conservation Centers (CCCs), which are residential workforce development facilities for underserved youth operated by the Departments of Interior and Agriculture. The bill defines key terms and creates several innovative programs to support youth training and employment in conservation and wildland firefighting industries. Specifically, the bill mandates specialized training programs in areas like forestry, rangeland management, and wildland firefighting, and requires the Secretaries of Agriculture and Interior to set recruitment goals, including hiring 300 CCC graduates annually for critical workforce needs. The legislation also introduces a wildland firefighting workforce development pilot program with extensive curriculum options, provides direct hire authority for CCC graduates, creates pathways to employment, and establishes a housing pilot program that would employ CCC students to improve federal housing stock for wildland firefighters and agency employees. Additionally, the bill requires the Secretaries to submit a report within one year of enactment detailing the underutilized capacity of Civilian Conservation Centers and identifying potential improvements and efficiencies. By focusing on training, recruitment, and employment of underserved youth, the bill aims to address workforce challenges in conservation and firefighting sectors while providing meaningful career opportunities.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1788/all-info