ACCESS Act

This bill, the ACCESS Act (HR 6043), requires states and local areas to expand career counseling for secondary students (middle and high school) by adding new public awareness campaigns about skilled trade and high-demand jobs. It mandates states to run media campaigns - including social media - promoting career and technical education programs, and requires local workforce programs to provide students with career exploration, counseling, and labor market information specific to in-demand occupations. The changes apply directly to public schools and workforce development agencies administering programs under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. The bill focuses on improving student access to information about skilled trades and high-wage careers through concrete policy updates.