21st Century Workforce Partnerships Act

The 21st Century Workforce Partnerships Act establishes two new grant programs to support career pathways for students. The secondary school program provides competitive grants to local educational agencies for school partnerships with businesses and community organizations that offer career-focused programs in high school or middle school. The college program provides similar grants to institutions of higher education to develop career training programs leading to recognized postsecondary credentials. Both programs require partnerships with businesses, include specific requirements for student outcomes and job quality measurement, and prioritize serving low-income students, rural communities, and Native American populations. The bill aims to create more seamless pathways from education to high-quality employment in in-demand fields.