AID Youth Employment Act Authorizes $4.2 Billion for Subsidized Year-Round and Summer Teen Jobs

The Assisting In Developing Youth Employment Act (AID Youth Employment Act) is a major overhaul of how the government supports job opportunities for young people. This bill isn’t just tweaking the existing system; it’s setting up entirely new, competitive grant programs under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, focusing on subsidized employment for youth aged 14 to 24.

The Money and the Mission

This legislation authorizes some serious cash: up to $1.8 billion for summer jobs and up to $2.4 billion for year-round job programs. The mission here is clear: get young people, especially those facing serious hurdles, into paying jobs where they can learn real skills. The bill specifically targets “marginalized” youth—a term defined here to include those who are homeless, in foster care, justice-system involved, or at high risk of dropping out, particularly in communities dealing with high levels of trauma or poverty. This is designed to be a direct lifeline, moving beyond simple job training to providing actual, paid work experience.

Who Gets the Funds and What They Must Do

Local governments, tribal organizations, and community groups can apply for these grants. But here’s the smart part: to get the money, they have to prove they aren’t trying to go it alone. The bill mandates strong partnerships. For example, a city applying for a grant must team up with the local school district, the workforce development board, juvenile justice agencies, and crucially, an organization that specializes in trauma-informed services. They also need an employer partner. This ensures that the programs are not just handing out paychecks, but are integrated with education, social services, and the actual job market.

Real-World Work Standards

For the youth participating, the bill sets clear expectations for the work itself. Summer jobs must last at least six weeks, pay at least the minimum wage, and cap hours at 20 per week. For year-round positions, the hours are capped at 15 per week for kids still in school, and up to 40 hours for those out of school. Every participant must also get mentorship, with year-round participants getting checked in on at least twice each week. This isn't just about giving youth pocket money; it's about providing structured, supportive work environments where they can gain essential skills like financial literacy and communication.

The Fine Print: Cost Sharing and Equity

To ensure the funds reach everyone, the bill includes geographic set-asides: at least 20 percent of the summer funds must go to rural areas and at least 5 percent to tribal areas. This is a big deal for communities often overlooked in large federal programs. However, here's where the rubber meets the road for local organizations: while planning grants cover 100% of the cost, implementation grants require a 50 percent local match. This means a non-tribal community organization needs to come up with half the funding themselves, either in cash or in-kind services. For smaller, less-resourced groups, that 50% match requirement could be a significant barrier, potentially sidelining them in favor of larger, better-funded entities. Tribal organizations get a better deal, with the federal share covering up to 95 percent of the cost.

The Long Game: Tracking Success

This bill doesn't just fund jobs; it demands results. The Secretary must track specific performance indicators to see if these programs are actually working. They’ll be looking at the percentage of youth who are still in education, training, or a job three and six months after they leave the program. This focus on outcomes means the programs aren't just a summer fling; they are designed to be a stepping stone to long-term stability. If a program isn't delivering, the Secretary is required to provide feedback and support to help them improve, ensuring continuous quality control across the board.