The Prince George's County Youth Career Center is set to expand significantly, tripling its size to better serve young adults aged 16 to 24 seeking employment. Established in 2018, the center has been a vital resource for out-of-school youth, providing intensive services primarily for those aged 18 to 24. The expansion, supported by a recent bond bill, aims to enhance the center's capacity and improve job placement rates, which currently hover between 68.6% and 73%.

During a recent meeting of the Education and Workforce Development Committee, officials highlighted the center's reliance on federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding, which mandates a 70% employment performance measure and requires that 20% of funds be allocated for work-based learning opportunities like internships. Eckerd Youth Alternatives operates the center, focusing on connecting youth with job opportunities and training.

In addition to the Youth Career Center, the Achieve Workforce Academy was introduced to cater specifically to the high percentage of Hispanic-speaking students in the area. This program, located at the AJC National Harbor, also targets young adults aged 18 to 24, emphasizing the importance of reconnecting dropouts with educational opportunities.

The committee also discussed the challenges posed by recent legislative changes at the federal level that threaten to eliminate WIOA funding. Officials expressed concern over a proposed bill that would shift the responsibility of funding workforce programs to states and counties, potentially jeopardizing local initiatives aimed at youth employment.

As the committee prepares for the upcoming school year, they are optimistic about fully integrating their programs into Prince George's County Public Schools, having successfully onboarded last year. With a focus on collaboration and outreach, the committee aims to ensure that no young person falls through the cracks, particularly those from low-income backgrounds or facing other barriers to employment.