# Opening Doors for Youth Act of 2023

This bill creates a federal program to fund summer and year-round jobs for young people who face barriers to finding work. The government would invest between $1 billion and $1.25 billion per year starting in 2024 to help states and local communities build employment programs specifically designed for teenagers and young adults who struggle to find opportunities—like those from low-income families, foster youth, or people with disabilities.

Here's how it works in practice: Money flows from the federal government to individual states, which then distribute it to local areas. Local communities use these funds to connect young people with actual jobs at real employers, with the government covering part or all of the wages. For areas just starting these programs, the government can subsidize up to 75 percent of a young person's wages. For areas that already have programs running, the subsidy drops to 50 percent, encouraging them to move toward private employers paying full wages. Every job must last at least four weeks and pay at least minimum wage.

Beyond just employment, the program requires communities to provide support services that help young people actually succeed. This includes work-readiness training, mentoring, help getting identification documents needed for jobs, financial literacy classes, and career counseling. The program also requires follow-up support for at least a year after the job ends. Local areas must reserve at least 5 percent of their funding specifically to help pay for things like transportation, childcare, or housing that might otherwise prevent young people from participating.

The bill emphasizes partnerships between schools, employers, and community organizations to create real career pathways rather than just temporary jobs. Programs should connect to career and technical education, help students earn credentials, and link young people to further training or education opportunities. The goal is to give young people not just a summer paycheck, but genuine work experience and connections that lead to better long-term employment prospects.

Opening Doors for Youth Act of 2023

Scott, Robert C. "Bobby"

Opening Doors for Youth Act of 2023 This bill requires the Department of Labor to provide funding to states for the development or expansion of summer and year-round youth employment programs that (1) match youth participants with appropriate employers for high-quality employment opportunities; and (2) provide work-readiness training and educational programs, coaching and mentoring, career and postsecondary education planning services, financial literacy education, and supportive services.