Bill > S2306

This bill creates a new national program within the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to support mid-career workers in returning to or transitioning within the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) workforce. The program will provide competitive grants to small and medium-sized businesses (defined as companies with 50-9,999 employees) to establish "returnship" programs, which are specialized internships or training opportunities designed to help unemployed or underemployed workers re-enter STEM fields at positions above entry level. Grants will range from $100,000 to $1,000,000 for small enterprises and $500,000 to $5,000,000 for medium-sized enterprises or consortiums, with funding awarded for 3-5 year periods. Returnship programs must last at least 10 weeks, provide competitive compensation and benefits, and offer meaningful training and career advancement opportunities. Eligible businesses must be located in the United States, operate in an in-demand STEM industry sector, and not be in bankruptcy. The bill authorizes $50 million in appropriations annually from fiscal years 2026-2030 and requires recipients to submit annual reports detailing participant demographics, employment transitions, and program effectiveness, with the Secretary of Labor tasked with evaluating and publicly sharing best practices for such programs.

Health and Social Services

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/2306/all-info