Better Jobs Act: Grants for evidence-based workforce training and innovation.
This Act establishes a new grant fund to support innovative workforce development programs and employment services. The goal is to improve employment outcomes and earnings, especially for jobseekers facing employment barriers, including those in rural areas. These programs must be evidence-based and subject to rigorous evaluation to ensure their effectiveness and cost-efficiency.
Key points
New Innovation Grants: Grants will be available for state and local agencies, higher education institutions, and non-profit organizations to establish and expand effective job training programs.
Focus on Evidence: Funding is prioritized for programs that demonstrate potential or proven effectiveness in increasing earnings and employment (requiring external research and evaluation).
Support for Underserved: Programs are specifically designed to help individuals with barriers to employment and communities not sufficiently served by existing models, such as those in rural areas.
Three Funding Phases: Different grant types (early-phase, mid-phase, expansion grants) are introduced, depending on the level of evidence supporting the program's effectiveness.
Expired
Additional Information
Print number: 118_S_4008
Sponsor: Sen. Bennet, Michael F. [D-CO]
Process start date: 2024-03-20