Gateway to Careers Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- S. 4578
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Labor and Employment
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-05-20: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-17T14:36:54Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose This legislation amends the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to create a new federal grant program. Its goal is to help states and partnerships build career pathway programs that link education, training, and jobs in high-demand fields, with a focus on supporting working learners and those facing barriers to employment or education.
Key Provisions
- Grant Structure: The Secretary of Labor, working with the Secretary of Education, awards competitive grants to state workforce agencies. These agencies then provide subgrants to local partnerships. If a state does not apply, the Secretary may award grants directly to eligible partnerships.
- Partnership Requirements: Each partnership must include a workforce development partner (such as a state or local workforce board or industry group), an education partner (such as a college, career and technical school, or local school district), and an employer partner.
- Priority Areas: Subgrants prioritize partnerships involving community colleges or similar two-year institutions, those serving people with employment or education barriers, and activities backed by strong, moderate, or promising evidence of effectiveness.
- Allowable Activities: Funds support planning between partners, integrated education and training programs with multiple entry/exit points, professional development for staff, equipment purchases, and student support services such as childcare, transportation, mental health help, and emergency financial aid.
- Performance Tracking: Recipients must report annual data on student outcomes, including employment rates, earnings, credential attainment, and measurable skill gains, broken down by age, race, gender, and other factors. The Secretary submits biennial reports to Congress.
- Duration and Funding: Grants and subgrants last up to four years. The bill authorizes “such sums as may be necessary” starting in fiscal year 2027. Up to 3 percent of funds may cover evaluation and administration.
Significant Changes to Existing Law The bill adds a new Section 173 to Subtitle D of Title I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. It introduces a dedicated career pathways grant program that builds on existing workforce and education laws without repealing prior provisions. It also updates the table of contents in the Act to reflect the new section.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: State workforce agencies gain new responsibilities for managing subgrants and providing technical assistance. The Department of Labor coordinates with the Department of Education on program oversight and evaluation.
- Citizens: Individuals, especially adults, working students, and those with barriers, may gain improved access to credentials, training, and support services that help them enter or advance in careers.
- Geographic Focus: The program requires equitable distribution of grants, including to rural and traditionally underserved areas.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- State and local workforce boards and agencies.
- Postsecondary institutions, particularly community colleges and two-year programs.
- Employers and industry associations in targeted sectors.
- Community-based organizations and service providers.
- Individuals seeking employment or further education, including those with disabilities or other barriers.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The legislation emphasizes evidence-based strategies and universal design for learning principles. It aligns performance measures with existing workforce law requirements. No direct constitutional issues are raised in the text; the program operates through voluntary grants to states and local entities.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Sen. Hassan, Margaret Wood [D-NH]
Cosponsors (3)
Sen. Young, Todd [R-IN], Sen. Collins, Susan M. [R-ME], Sen. Kaine, Tim [D-VA]
Recent Actions
- 2026-05-20: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- 2026-05-20: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Gateway to Careers Act of 2026 — issued 2026-05-20 — PDF (17 pages)