Foster Youth Education and Workforce Opportunity Act of 2026

The Foster Youth Education and Workforce Opportunity Act of 2026 expands federal support for young people who have experienced foster care by lowering the age eligibility for education and training vouchers from 16 to 14 years old. The bill increases the maximum voucher amount from $5,000 to $12,000 and extends the total time a youth can use these funds to six years, including time spent on remedial education. It also broadens the types of programs that can be funded to include registered apprenticeships, short-term training, and general equivalency degrees, while requiring states to simplify the application process and help youth overcome transportation barriers.