This bill aims to increase participation of young African Americans in the nation's apprenticeship programs by amending the National Apprenticeship Act. The legislation creates a new "Diversity and Inclusion Administrator" position within the Department of Labor to promote greater diversity in apprenticeships across traditional and nontraditional fields like construction, IT, healthcare, and green energy. All entities seeking to register or renew apprenticeship programs will be required to submit plans demonstrating how they will increase African American participation. The bill authorizes a competitive grant program to help apprenticeship sponsors establish partnerships with community organizations, conduct outreach to underrepresented populations, and provide support services like mentoring and financial planning. Grants can range from $2 million in fiscal year 2026 to $5 million by 2029, with the legislation taking effect in April 2026.
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