Gateway to Careers Act of 2026

The Gateway to Careers Act of 2026 creates a new grant program to help states fund partnerships between workforce agencies, schools, and employers designed to guide individuals through specific career paths. These partnerships will receive federal funding to develop programs that connect education and training with in-demand jobs, while also providing essential support services like childcare, transportation, and mental health care to help participants complete their training. The bill prioritizes partnerships involving community colleges and those serving people facing barriers to employment, requiring applicants to use evidence-based strategies to improve student outcomes. To ensure accountability, the program mandates regular reporting on participant progress, job placement rates, and earnings, with a portion of funds reserved for independent evaluations of the initiative's effectiveness.