Senator Markey, Rep. Hayes Reintroduce Legislation to Reauthorize YouthBuild Program, Strengthen Local Employer Partnerships

Bill Text (PDF)

Washington (April 16, 2026) - Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), along with Representative Jahana Hayes (CT-05), today reintroduced the YouthBuild for the Future Act to reauthorize the YouthBuild program, a national program that connects young people ages 16 to 24, who are neither working nor in school, with education, workforce development, and leadership skills. YouthBuild programs are designed with local employer needs in mind and include supportive services and credentialing opportunities for participants. The program serves more than 5,000 young people across the United States each year, including in Massachusetts.

"YouthBuild programs uplift communities and connect young people to the educational and job opportunities they need to build a rewarding career and life," said Senator Markey. "When we invest in YouthBuild, we invest in the future of our children and our communities. Reauthorizing the YouthBuild program and expanding employer partnerships in Massachusetts communities and across the country will ensure our local economies can thrive, and that all young people can live up to their God-given potential."

"YouthBuild transforms the lives of young people by helping participants earn their diplomas and confidently step into careers in high-demand fields," said Congresswoman Hayes. "The YouthBuild for the Future Act will ensure youth in the Fifth District and across the country can reach their full potential. I am pleased to introduce legislation that will make essential federal investments in one of our greatest resources: our young people."

Specifically, the YouthBuild for the Future Act would:

• Strengthen YouthBuild employer partnerships to more readily connect participants with training and job opportunities,
• Increase YouthBuild participation opportunities in rural and Tribal communities,
• Allow funding for meals for YouthBuild participants during the work day,
• Allow YouthBuild grantees to count their grant funds toward the matching requirement under the National Community Service Act, and
• Require states to share Unemployment Insurance wage data with YouthBuild programs to track participant outcomes and success.

The YouthBuild for the Future Act is endorsed by YouthBuild Global, The Forum for Youth Investment, The Corps Network, Voices for National Service, Massachusetts YouthBuild Coalition, Service Year Alliance, New North Citizen's Council Youth Services, National Youth Employment Coalition, National Collaborative for Transformative Youth Policy, and New Deal for Youth, National Skills Coalition, and Jobs for the Future.

"There are 4.15 million young people in this country between the ages of 16 and 24 who are out of school and out of work-ready to contribute, ready to work and just needing a real chance," said John Valverde, president and CEO of YouthBuild Global. "The YouthBuild for the Future Act is a common-sense investment in that potential. For almost 50 years, YouthBuild programs have connected these young people to the hands-on training, education and support that leads to family-sustaining careers in high-demand fields. When we give them a clear pathway forward, they don't just succeed individually-they strengthen our economy, our communities and our country."

"YouthBuild programs are as vital as ever. Across Massachusetts, we are seeing record numbers of young people step up, ready to reclaim their education, gain hands-on skills and enter family-sustaining careers and new communities are lining up to bring YouthBuild to their young people for the first time," said Terry Moran, Executive Director of the Massachusetts YouthBuild Coalition. "There are millions of driven young Americans who deserve a chance to build a future for themselves and their families while strengthening the place they call home. The time for the YouthBuild for the Future Act is right now."

###

• Print
• Email
• Like
• Tweet