,,ii #aaith ,,congress #ast ,session ,s4 #bii ,,in ,,the ,,senate ,,of ,,the ,,united ,,states ,january #bi1 #bjbe,mr4 ,durbin 7for himself1 ,ms4 ,duckworth1 and ,mr4 ,booker7 introduced the following bill2 which was read twice and referred to the ,committee on ,health1 ,education1 ,labor1 and ,pensions ,a ,,bill ,to establish a competitive grant program to support the establishment1 expansion1 or enhancement of youth mentoring programs for eligible youth1 and to provide for social and emotional learning1 employability skill development1 career exploration1 work-based learning1 and other youth workforce opportunities4 #a4 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,mentoring to ,succeed ,act of #bjbe4 #b4 ,youth mentoring programs 7a7 ,in general ,subtitle ,d of title ,i of the ,workforce ,innovation and ,opportunity ,act 7#bi ,u4,s4,c4 #cbba et seq47 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating section #agb as section #agc2 and 7#b7 by inserting after section #aga the following3 #agb4 ,youth mentoring programs 7a7 ,purpose ,the purpose of this section is to make assistance available for mentoring programs for eligible youth1 in order to-- 7#a7 establish1 expand1 or support mentoring programs2 7#b7 assist eligible youth enrolled in secondary schools in developing cognitive and social-emotional skills2 and 7#c7 prepare eligible youth for success in high school1 postsecondary education1 and the workforce4 7b7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,community-based organization ,the term community-based organization means a youth-serving private nonprofit organization 7which may include a faith-based organization or may be an affiliate of a national organization7 that-- 7,a7 is representative of a community or a significant segment of a community2 7,b7 has demonstrated expertise and effectiveness in workforce development2 and 7,c7 has demonstrated expertise-- 7i7 in the planning and delivery of education1 training1 and related activities that are included in a career pathway2 7ii7 in forging coordination and cooperation between educators and other members of the community2 and 7iii7 in development and implementation of data systems that measure the progress of students and outcomes of career pathways4 7#b7 ,covered institution of higher education ,the term covered institution of higher education means-- 7,a7 an institution of higher education1 as defined in section #aja of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajja72 or 7,b7 a postsecondary vocational institution1 as defined in section #ajb7;c7 of such ,act 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajjb7;c774 7#c7 ,covered partnership ,the term covered partnership means a partnership between-- 7,a7 a community-based organization2 and 7,b7 7i7 an industry or sector partnership2 7ii7 a local educational agency2 or 7iii7 another public entity or private employer1 as appropriate4 7#d7 ,covered recognized postsecondary credential ,the term covered recognized postsecondary credential means a recognized postsecondary credential issued by a covered institution of higher education4 7#e7 ,disability ,the term disability has the meaning given the term for purposes of section #fjb7c7 of the ,individuals with ,disabilities ,education ,act 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #adja7c774 7#f7 ,eligible entity ,the term eligible entity means a community-based organization or covered partnership that-- 7,a7 provides mentoring services2 and 7,b7 provides youth workforce readiness programming and career exploration4 7#g7 ,eligible youth ,the term eligible youth means-- 7,a7 an in-school youth2 7,b7 a youth who meets all requirements to be an in-school youth1 except that-- 7i7 in lieu of meeting the requirements of section #abi7;a77#a77;,c77ii71 the youth is in secondary school2 or 7ii7 in lieu of meeting the requirements of section #abi7;a77#a77;,c77iv71 the youth-- 7,i7 is failing academically or at risk of dropping out of school1 is chronically absent1 is enrolled in fewer classes or for fewer credit hours than a typical full-time student1 has changed schools #c or more times in the past #ahj days1 or has a history of multiple suspensions2 or 7,,ii7 7aa7 is a gang member or resides in a community with high rates of1 and prevalence of risk factors associated with1 violence-related injuries and deaths1 and with other relevant health and safety risks 7including high rates of poverty1 suicide1 or substance use disorder 7including opioid use disorder77 or has a parent or guardian who is struggling with substance use disorder2 7bb7 has #a or both parents incarcerated2 or 7cc7 has experienced #a or more adverse childhood experiences1 traumatic events1 or toxic stressors1 as assessed through an evidence-based screening2 7,c7 an out-of-school youth2 or 7,d7 a youth who meets all requirements to be an out-of-school youth1 except that-- 7i7 in lieu of meeting the requirements of section #abi7;a77#a77;,b77ii71 the youth would be placed in secondary school if the youth were attending school2 or 7ii7 in lieu of meeting the requirements of section #abi7;a77#a77;,b77iii71 the youth is described in subparagraph 7,b77ii77,,ii74 7#h7 ,mentoring ,the term mentoring means a structured1 managed activity-- 7,a7 in which eligible youth are appropriately matched with screened and trained adult or peer volunteer mentors for consistent relationships2 7,b7 that provides direct one-on-one1 group1 or peer mentoring services that focus on-- 7i7 providing enrichment2 7ii7 promoting educational or workforce success2 7iii7 minimizing risk behaviors2 7iv7 promoting social skills and healthy relationships2 or 7v7 any combination of objectives described in clauses 7i7 through 7iv72 7,c7 that involves meetings1 events1 and activities on a regular basis1 for a period of not less than #a year2 and 7,d7 that is intended to meet1 in part1 the social and emotional development needs of an eligible youth1 the need of the eligible youth for involvement with a caring and supportive adult1 and the need of the eligible youth for positive role models1 connections1 and stability4 7#i7 ,high school ,the term high school has the meaning given the term in section #haja of the ,elementary and ,secondary ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ghja74 7#aj7 ,youth workforce readiness programming ,the term youth workforce readiness programming means job training1 or a workforce development program providing an employment and training activity1 such as mentoring1 an activity to promote communication and problem-solving skills1 career exploration1 a job readiness activity and certification1 a summer job1 or a year-round job opportunity or apprenticeship1 provided to eligible youth4 7c7 ,program authorized 7#a7 ,in general ,from amounts made available for this section1 the ,secretary shall award grants1 on a competitive basis1 to eligible entities to establish1 expand1 or support mentoring programs in accordance with subsection 7d74 7#b7 ,duration ,a grant awarded under this section shall be for a period not to exceed #c years4 7d7 ,authorized activities 7#a7 ,in general ,an eligible entity receiving a grant under this section shall use grant funds to establish1 expand1 or support not less than #a mentoring program that-- 7,a7 is designed to assist eligible youth in developing cognitive and social-emotional skills to prepare the eligible youth for success in high school1 postsecondary education1 and the workforce by linking the eligible youth with mentors who-- 7i7 have received mentor training1 including training on trauma-informed practices1 youth engagement1 cultural competency1 and social-emotional learning2 and 7ii7 have been screened using appropriate reference checks and criminal background checks1 in accordance with the requirements of subsection 7e77#b77;,f77ii72 7,b7 serves a population that includes eligible youth living in or from underserved communities or communities with employment disparities2 7,c7 provides coaching and technical assistance to mentors participating in the mentoring program2 7,d7 seeks to-- 7i7 reduce juvenile justice involvement of eligible youth2 7ii7 foster positive relationships between eligible youth and their peers1 other adults1 and family members2 7iii7 develop the workforce readiness skills of eligible youth by exploring paths to employment1 including encouraging students with disabilities to explore transition services2 and 7iv7 increase the participation of eligible youth in community service activities2 7,e7 encourages eligible youth to set goals and plan for their futures1 including making plans and identifying goals for postsecondary education and participation in the workforce2 7,f7 develops and carries out regular training for mentors1 including training on-- 7i7 the impact of adverse childhood experiences2 7ii7 trauma-informed practices and interventions2 7iii7 cultural competency2 7iv7 social and emotional learning2 7v7 positive youth development and engagement practices2 and 7vi7 disability inclusion practices to ensure access and participation by students with disabilities2 7,g7 works in coordination with a private employer and a local educational agency with not less than #a high-need school 7as defined in section #bbaa7;b7 of the ,elementary and ,secondary ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ffca7;b772 7,h7 recruits1 screens1 matches1 trains1 and1 as necessary1 compensates mentors2 7,i7 hires staff1 as necessary1 to perform or support the objectives of the program2 and 7,j7 provides inclusive and accessible youth engagement activities1 such as-- 7i7 career awareness activities1 including job site visits1 informational interviews1 resume writing1 interview preparation1 and networking2 7ii7 academic or postsecondary education preparation activities1 including trade or vocational school visits1 visits to institutions of higher education1 and assistance in applying to institutions of higher education2 7iii7 support for the use of career pathways2 7iv7 paid and unpaid work experiences that have as a component academic and occupational education1 which may include-- 7,i7 paid employment opportunities2 7,,ii7 pre-apprenticeship programs and apprenticeship programs2 7,,iii7 paid internships2 7,,iv7 job shadowing2 and 7,v7 on-the-job training opportunities2 7v7 work-based learning 7as defined in section #c of the ,carl ,d4 ,perkins ,career and ,technical ,education ,act of #bjjf 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #bcjb77 that provides opportunities for the application of employability skills and hands-on work experiences through partnerships among eligible entities2 7vi7 occupational skill training1 which shall include priority consideration for training programs that lead to covered recognized postsecondary credentials that are aligned with in-demand industry sectors or occupations in the local area involved1 if the local board determines that the programs meet the quality criteria described in section #abc7;a72 7vii7 activities that help youth prepare for and transition to postsecondary education and training2 and 7viii7 services to help prepare eligible youth for the workforce1 such as-- 7,i7 leadership development opportunities2 7,,ii7 workforce or workforce readiness opportunities2 7,,iii7 financial literacy education2 7,,iv7 entrepreneurial skills training2 7,v7 services that provide labor market and employment information about in-demand industry sectors or occupations available in the local area2 7,,vi7 activities to develop fundamental workforce readiness skills or to develop employability skills 7such as communication1 creativity1 collaboration1 and critical thinking7 that support social-emotional development through every developmental stage2 and 7,,vii7 career exposure offered by local industry or sector partnerships to provide career assessments1 education1 and career planning4 7#b7 ,additional activities ,an eligible entity receiving a grant under this section may use grant funds to-- 7,a7 provide professional development 7as defined in section #c of the ,carl ,d4 ,perkins ,career and ,technical ,education ,act of #bjjf 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #bcjb77 for training educators and other providers of educational services who participate in the mentoring program2 7,b7 develop assets and resources that assist an employer or groups of employers or sectors in working with eligible youth2 7,c7 in the case of an eligible entity that seeks to implement the program through a partnership with another eligible entity1 establish the partnership2 and 7,d7 conduct program evaluation1 including acquiring and analyzing the data described in subsection 7g74 7#c7 ,subgrants ,an eligible entity receiving a grant under this section may1 with the approval of the ,secretary1 use grant funds to award subgrants to eligible organizations to carry out activities described in paragraphs 7#a7 and 7#b74 7e7 ,application ,an eligible entity desiring a grant under this section shall submit an application to the ,secretary at such time1 in such manner1 and accompanied by such information as the ,secretary may require1 including-- 7#a7 a needs assessment that includes baseline data on the measures described in subsection 7g77#a77;,b72 and 7#b7 a plan to establish1 expand1 or support a mentoring program that meets the requirements of subsection 7d77#a71 including-- 7,a7 the targeted outcomes1 mentor type1 and meeting frequency for the program2 7,b7 a description of and data regarding the eligible youth who will participate as mentees in the program1 including-- 7i7 any age ranges to be served or any other eligibility criteria2 and 7ii7 how the eligible entity will ensure that the program serves eligible youth living in or from underserved communities or communities with employment disparities1 in accordance with subsection 7d77#a77;,b72 7,c7 the number of mentor-mentee matches proposed to be established and maintained annually under the program2 7,d7 the capacity and expertise of the program to serve eligible youth in a way that is responsive to children and youth of color1 expectant and parenting youth1 indigenous youth1 youth who are lesbian1 gay1 bisexual1 transgender1 or queer1 and youth with disabilities2 7,e7 actions taken to ensure that the design of the program reflects input from eligible youth2 7,f7 an assurance that mentors supported under the program are appropriately screened and have demonstrated a willingness to comply with aspects of the mentoring program1 including-- 7i7 a written screening plan that includes all of the policies and procedures used to screen and select mentors1 including eligibility requirements and preferences for such applicants2 7ii7 a description of the methods to be used to conduct criminal background checks on all prospective mentors and the methods in place to exclude mentors with convictions directly related to child safety that occur during the mentor's participation in the program or in the #g-year period preceding the mentor's participation2 and 7iii7 a description of the methods to be used to ensure that the mentors are willing and able to serve as a mentor on a long-term1 consistent basis as defined in the application2 7,g7 a description of-- 7i7 the community-based organizations or the covered partnerships through which the eligible entity will implement the program2 and 7ii7 if a covered partnership will assist in implementing the program1 the collaboration and coordination that the community-based organization in the partnership has carried out or will carry out with other entities in the partnership1 related to that implementation2 7,h7 in the case of a program that includes an opportunity to earn a covered recognized postsecondary credential1 a description of the activities leading to the covered recognized postsecondary credential2 and 7,i7 a budget detailing program activities and administrative costs4 7f7 ,priority ,in awarding grants under this section1 the ,secretary shall give priority to eligible entities that-- 7#a7 prior to receiving a grant1 serve eligible youth with the greatest need who reside in-- 7,a7 a high-poverty community2 7,b7 a rural area2 or 7,c7 a community with high rates of1 and prevalence of risk factors associated with1 violence-related injuries and deaths1 and with other relevant health and safety risks 7including high rates of poverty1 suicide1 or substance use disorder 7including opioid use disorder772 7#b7 provide eligible youth participating in the mentoring program supported under this section with opportunities for postsecondary education preparation and career development1 including-- 7,a7 job training1 professional development1 work shadowing1 internships1 networking1 resume writing and review1 interview preparation1 transition or vocational rehabilitation services for students with disabilities1 application assistance and visits to institutions of higher education1 and leadership development through community service1 and relevant program elements described in section #abi7;c77#b772 and 7,b7 partnerships with the private sector and local businesses to provide internship and career exploration activities and resources2 and 7#c7 consult and engage eligible youth in the development1 design1 and implementation of the mentoring program1 including by demonstrating such consultation and engagement in the application submitted under subsection 7e7 and agreeing to continue such consultation after receiving the grant4 7g7 ,reporting requirements 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #ahj days after the end of each year of the grant period1 an eligible entity receiving a grant under this section shall submit to the ,secretary a report that-- 7,a7 includes-- 7i7 the number of eligible youth and mentors1 and the demographics of eligible youth and mentors1 who participated in the mentoring program that was supported with grant funds2 7ii7 data on the academic achievement1 dropout rates1 truancy1 absenteeism1 outcomes of arrests for violent crime1 full-time employment1 part-time employment1 and postsecondary education enrollment of eligible youth participating in the program2 and 7iii7 data on social-emotional development of eligible youth participating in the program1 as assessed with a validated social-emotional assessment tool2 7,b7 may include indicators such as achievement of career competencies1 or successful completion of internships1 apprenticeships1 or work-based learning opportunities1 or high school graduation2 and 7,c7 includes any other information that the ,secretary may require to evaluate the success of the mentoring program4 7#b7 ,student privacy ,an eligible entity shall ensure that the report submitted under paragraph 7#a7 is prepared in a manner that protects the privacy rights of each eligible youth in the same manner as is required for students under section #ddd of the ,general ,education ,provisions ,act 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #abcb;g2 commonly known as the ,family ,educational ,rights and ,privacy ,act of #aigd74 7h7 ,mentoring program resources and technical assistance ,the ,secretary shall work with the ,administrator of the ,office of ,juvenile ,justice and ,delinquency ,prevention and the ,secretary of ,education to-- 7#a7 refer eligible entities receiving grants under this section to the ,national ,mentoring ,resource ,center to obtain resources on best practices and research related to mentoring programs and to request no-cost training and technical assistance2 and 7#b7 provide such eligible entities with information regarding transitional services for eligible youth returning from correctional facilities and transition services for students with disabilities4 7i7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years #bjbf through #bjcj4 4 7b7 ,clerical amendment ,the table of contents in section #a7;b7 of the ,workforce ,innovation and ,opportunity ,act is amended by striking the item relating to section #agb and inserting the following3 ,sec4 #agb4 ,youth mentoring programs4,sec4 #agc4 ,authorization of appropriations4 4 #c4 ,study on mentoring programs 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,labor1 acting through the ,chief ,evaluation ,officer of the ,department of ,labor1 shall conduct a study to-- 7#a7 identify successful mentoring programs and evidence-based strategies for administering and monitoring such programs2 7#b7 evaluate the role of mentors in promoting cognitive development and social-emotional learning to enhance academic achievement and to improve workforce readiness2 and 7#c7 evaluate the effectiveness of the grant program under section #agb of the ,workforce ,innovation and ,opportunity ,act1 as added by section #b1 on student academic outcomes and youth career development4 7b7 ,timing ,not later than #c years after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,labor1 acting through the ,chief ,evaluation ,officer1 shall submit the results of the study to the appropriate congressional committees4