Bill > S2855

This bill establishes a competitive grant program administered by the Secretary of Labor to support community colleges and career and technical education centers in developing immersive technology education and training services programs. The grants, which can be awarded for up to 5 years, will help educational institutions create career pathways using immersive technologies like virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality to provide workforce training. Priority will be given to programs that work with employers, serve rural communities, target in-demand industries, retrain workers from declining sectors, and support individuals with employment barriers. Grant recipients must submit performance reports, and the Department of Labor will conduct an independent evaluation of the programs and publish best practices. Eligible entities include community colleges, technical schools, and industry partnerships, with the goal of helping students (including military veterans) gain skills for economic self-sufficiency. The bill authorizes $50 million annually from fiscal years 2026 through 2035 to fund these grants, emphasizing the importance of integrating cutting-edge technology into workforce development and education.

Health and Social Services

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/2855/all-info