AID Youth Employment Act

The AID Youth Employment Act creates new federal programs to provide subsidized summer and year-round employment opportunities for youth aged 14-24, with special focus on marginalized youth facing barriers like homelessness, foster care, involvement in the justice system, or living in underserved communities. The bill authorizes $375 million annually for summer employment programs and $500 million annually for year-round programs, distributed through competitive grants to state, local, tribal, and community-based organizations that form partnerships with educational agencies, workforce development entities, and community organizations serving youth. To receive funding, organizations must submit detailed applications describing how they will identify, recruit, and place eligible youth in employment while providing support services like transportation, child care, and mentorship. The bill establishes performance metrics to track outcomes including employment rates, educational attainment, and postsecondary credential completion for program participants. It also requires annual reports to Congress on program implementation and effectiveness.