ACCESS Act

The ACCESS Act (HR 5295) requires states to run public awareness campaigns - including social media - to inform secondary students about career and technical education programs and skilled trade opportunities. It also mandates that local workforce programs provide career counseling and exploration services that include information on high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand jobs available in the local area. These provisions directly affect secondary students, community-based organizations, and state workforce agencies administering federal job training programs. The bill focuses on connecting students with training pathways in growing industries through concrete policy changes.