Fusion Workforce Act

The Fusion Workforce Act (HR 4999) creates dedicated funding streams - $20 million annually for the National Science Foundation and $10 million annually for the Department of Energy - to support workforce development in fusion-related fields. It directly affects institutions of higher education (including community colleges, minority-serving institutions, and Tribal Colleges), National Laboratories, and industry partners by requiring grants for developing fusion-focused curricula, teacher training, hands-on learning experiences, and industry partnerships. Key mechanisms include establishing a national Fusion Education and Workforce Coordination Hub to share resources and address workforce gaps, supporting industry professional instructors in classrooms, and prioritizing outreach to underrepresented groups and rural communities. The bill mandates concrete activities like creating stackable credentials, modernizing lab facilities, and connecting students to internships, all aligned with fusion industry needs.