WORKER Act

To advance STEM education, provide for improved worker training, retention, and advancement, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Working On Rewarding and Keeping Employees Resilient Act WORKER Act 2. Table of contents The table of contents for this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title. Sec. 2. Table of contents. Title I—Advancing STEM Education Subtitle A—Expansion of Engineering Programs at Elementary and Secondary Schools Sec. 101. Grant program. Sec. 102. Table of contents. Subtitle B—Expansion of Maker Education and Makerspaces Sec. 110. Definitions. Sec. 111. Local uses of funds. Sec. 112. Effective date. Title II—Worker Training, Retention, and Advancement Subtitle A—Leveraging Effective Apprenticeships To Rebuild National Skills Sec. 201. Short title. Sec. 202. Definitions. Part 1—Promoting Registered Apprenticeships Sec. 211. Promoting registered apprenticeship programs. Sec. 212. Promoting integration with postsecondary education. Part 2—Program Development and Enhancement Sec. 221. Expanding registered apprenticeship programs. Subtitle B—Reemployment Sec. 231. Requirement to provide reemployment bonus program under State unemployment compensation law. Sec. 232. Coordinating State unemployment compensation programs with the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. Sec. 233. Permissible use of Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds for wage insurance. Sec. 234. Training vouchers. Sec. 235. Authorization of appropriations. Title III—Establishment of the Distressed Community Investment Agency Sec. 301. Definitions. Sec. 302. Distressed Community Investment Agency. Sec. 303. Redesignation of Department of Commerce to Department of Innovation and Investment. Sec. 304. Redesignation of Secretary of Commerce to Secretary of Innovation and Investment. Title IV—Authorization of Appropriations Sec. 401. Authorization of appropriations. I Advancing STEM Education A Expansion of Engineering Programs at Elementary and Secondary Schools 101. Grant program Part F of title IV of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 7251 (1) in section 4601— (A) in subsection (a), in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting (other than subpart 5) part (B) by adding at the end the following: (c) Authorization of appropriations for subpart 5 There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out subpart 5— (1) $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 and 2023; and (2) $21,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2024 and 2025. ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: 5 Engineering Education 4651. Grant program authorized (a) In general From amounts appropriated under section 4601(c), the Secretary shall award grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible entities to implement formal and informal engineering education programs in elementary schools and secondary schools to— (1) teach students the overall analytical and experimental approaches used in engineering and engineering technology; and (2) increase participation of under-represented student groups in the engineering and engineering technology pipeline. (b) Maximum grant amount A grant awarded under this subpart may not exceed $1,000,000. (c) Matching funds An eligible entity receiving a grant under this subpart shall provide non-Federal funds in amount equal to the grant amount. Such non-Federal funds may include in-kind support (such as equipment, supplies, materials, and participation of personnel in the development and implementation of activities to be carried out under the grant). (d) Uses of funds (1) In general An eligible entity receiving a grant under this subpart shall use such funds to carry out a program that— (A) provides engineering instructional materials based on review and analysis of the effectiveness of existing formal, or informal research-based and evidenced-based locally relevant instructional materials; (B) provides professional development for pre-service and in-service teachers to teach engineering; (C) provides instructions on engineering and engineering technology during normal classroom hours or after school; (D) incorporates evidence-based practices to increase diversity of student groups participating in the program; (E) encourages participation of engineers from local private and public organizations to mentor the teachers and students; and (F) encourages engineering faculty and students from institutions of higher education as mentors for the elementary school or secondary school students, and teachers as appropriate. (2) Public-private partnerships Each eligible entity awarded a grant under this subpart shall be encouraged to carry out the program funded under the grant in partnership with one or more of the following: (A) Elementary schools or secondary schools receiving assistance under this subpart. (B) Institutions of higher education. (C) Private sector businesses. (D) Nonprofit organizations. (E) Community-based organizations. (F) Public or private entities with demonstrated record of success in delivering educational support. (G) Summer school programs. (e) Applications An application for a grant under this subpart submitted by an eligible entity shall demonstrate long-term commitment for the proposed program through— (1) providing laboratory and instructional space; (2) establishing ongoing professional training programs for pre-service and in-service teachers and teachers in-residence; and (3) commitment to scaling successful programs for engineering and engineering technology education in elementary schools and secondary schools under the jurisdiction of the eligible entity. (f) Priority In awarding grants under this subpart, the Secretary shall give priority to eligible entities that serve under-represented minorities in engineering. (g) Definitions In this section: (1) Eligible entity The term eligible entity (A) a consortia of local educational agencies; or (B) a local educational agency that is not receiving a subgrant under this subpart for the fiscal year for which the agency is applying for a grant under this subpart. (2) Instructional materials The term instructional materials (A) emphasize— (i) engineering fundamentals and concepts, problem-based learning; and (ii) essential skills such as systems thinking, creativity, teamwork, communication, and ethical considerations; (B) are designed to introduce students to modern engineering and engineering technology tools such as computer-aided design, computer-aided manufacturing, statistical analysis, codes and standards, human factors, and reliability analysis; and (C) are aligned with and integrated into relevant science, engineering, and mathematics standards that may exist in the applicable State or may be developed. 4652. Annual report to Congress Not later than 1 year after the first grant is awarded under this subpart, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall provide a report to Congress on activities and results under this subpart. Such reports shall describe— (1) the total number of grant applications received for the preceding each year; (2) the number and geographic distribution of the grants for such year and for all grants awarded under this subpart; (3) participation of minority-serving institutions of higher education, such as historically Black colleges and universities and Hispanic-serving institutions; (4) participation of under-represented and economically disadvantaged student groups; (5) plans for collaboration among eligible entities receiving a grant under this subpart; (6) overall program outcomes and issues of concern; and (7) recommendations for program revisions to achieve the desired program outcome. . 102. Table of contents The table of contents in section 2 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 4644 the following: Subpart 5—Engineering Education 4651. Grant program authorized. 4652. Annual report to Congress. . B Expansion of Maker Education and Makerspaces 110. Definitions Section 3 of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 ( 20 U.S.C. 2302 (56) Maker education The term maker education (57) Makerspace The term makerspace . 111. Local uses of funds Section 135(b)(2)(I) of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 ( 20 U.S.C. 2355(b)(2)(I) , the application of maker education, makerspaces 112. Effective date The amendments made by this subtitle shall take effect on July 1, 2021, and as if enacted as part of the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act. II Worker Training, Retention, and Advancement A Leveraging Effective Apprenticeships To Rebuild National Skills 201. Short title This subtitle may be cited as the Leveraging Effective Apprenticeships to Rebuild National Skills Act LEARNS Act 202. Definitions In this subtitle: (1) Administrator The term Administrator (2) Career pathway The term career pathway 29 U.S.C. 3102 (3) Educational service agency The term educational service agency (A) has the meaning given the term in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 7801 (B) includes a collaborative of those agencies. (4) High school The term high school (A) provides secondary education, as determined under State law; (B) grants a diploma, as defined by the State; and (C) includes, at least, grade 12. (5) In-demand industry sector or occupation The term in-demand industry sector or occupation 29 U.S.C. 3102 (6) Local and State workforce development boards The terms local workforce development board State workforce development board local board State board 29 U.S.C. 3102 (7) National apprenticeship system The term national apprenticeship system (8) Postsecondary educational institution The term postsecondary educational institution 20 U.S.C. 1002 (9) Pre-apprenticeship program The term pre-apprenticeship program (A) is designed to prepare individuals to enter and succeed in a registered apprenticeship program; (B) is carried out by an eligible entity described in section 211(b)(2)(C) that has an application approved under section 211(b)(3) and that has a documented partnership with at least 1 sponsor of a registered apprenticeship program; and (C) includes each of the following elements: (i) Training (including a curriculum for the training), aligned with industry standards and reviewed and approved annually by sponsors of the registered apprenticeships within the documented partnership, that will prepare individuals by teaching the skills and competencies needed to enter one or more registered apprenticeship programs. (ii) Provision of hands-on training and theoretical education to individuals that— (I) accurately simulates the industry and occupational conditions of the registered apprenticeship program described in subparagraph (B); (II) is carried out in a manner that includes proper observation of supervision and safety protocols; and (III) is carried out in a manner that does not displace a paid employee. (iii) A formal agreement with a sponsor of a registered apprenticeship program that would enable participants who successfully complete the pre-apprenticeship program to enter directly into the registered apprenticeship program (if a place in the program is available), and includes agreements concerning earning credit recognized by a postsecondary educational institution for skills and competencies acquired during the pre-apprenticeship program. (10) Recognized postsecondary credential The term recognized postsecondary credential 29 U.S.C. 3102 (11) Registered apprenticeship program The term registered apprenticeship program National Apprenticeship Act 29 U.S.C. 50 (12) Secretary The term Secretary (13) Sponsor The term sponsor 1 Promoting Registered Apprenticeships 211. Promoting registered apprenticeship programs (a) Establishment of the office of apprenticeship (1) Office There is established, in the Employment and Training Administration of the Department of Labor, an Office of Apprenticeship. (2) Administrator The Office shall be headed by an Administrator of the Office of Apprenticeship appointed by the Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training. The Assistant Secretary shall appoint an individual who has the demonstrated knowledge of registered apprenticeship programs necessary to serve as the Administrator. (3) Responsibilities The Administrator, through the Office of Apprenticeship, shall carry out responsibilities including— (A) determining whether an apprenticeship program meets the requirements to become a registered apprenticeship program and maintains the standards necessary to remain a registered apprenticeship program; (B) managing the national apprenticeship system; (C) carrying out activities under subsection (b) to promote effective pre-apprenticeship programs; (D) promoting awareness about registered apprenticeship programs, including carrying out activities under subsection (c); (E) engaging in regular updates of the registration process, ensuring that such process is easily accessible and efficient for use by sponsors of registered apprenticeship programs; (F) regularly engaging with the National Advisory Committee on Apprenticeships and ensure that the required reports of the Committee are submitted to the Secretary and transmitted to Congress; (G) promoting greater diversity in registered apprenticeship programs and pre-apprenticeship programs, including by promoting outreach to underrepresented populations, youth, and veterans and supporting the development of apprenticeship models; (H) providing for evaluations and research, as described in subsection (e); (I) providing technical assistance to sponsors of registered apprenticeship programs, entities who are interested in developing and becoming sponsors of registered apprenticeship programs, and eligible entities carrying out pre-apprenticeship programs; and (J) coordinating and aligning registered apprenticeship programs with other Federal education and training programs, including those authorized under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act ( 29 U.S.C. 3101 20 U.S.C. 2301 (b) Supporting the development of pre-Apprenticeship programs (1) Support The Secretary shall support the development of pre-apprenticeship programs. (2) Grants (A) In general Using funds available under subsection (f), the Secretary shall make grants on a competitive basis to eligible entities to provide the Federal share of the cost of carrying out projects that support that development. (B) Period The Secretary shall make initial grants under this paragraph for periods of not more than 3 years, except that if an eligible entity demonstrates satisfactory performance under paragraph (6) by the end of that third year, the Secretary may extend the grant period up to an additional 1 year for that entity. (C) Eligible entity To be eligible to receive a grant from the Secretary under this subsection, an entity shall be a public-private partnership consisting of— (i) a local educational agency, high school, area career and technical education school (as defined in section 3 of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 ( 20 U.S.C. 2302 20 U.S.C. 7801 (ii) in a State with a State entity recognized by the Secretary of Labor to register apprenticeship programs in that State, that entity; (iii) an industry or business, consisting of an employer, a group of employers, a trade association, a professional association, or an entity that sponsors a registered apprenticeship program; (iv) a State workforce development board or local workforce development board; and (v) to the maximum extent practicable— (I) a labor organization associated with the industry or occupation related to the pre-apprenticeship program involved; and (II) a community-based organization that provides pre-apprenticeship programs, as appropriate. (3) Applications To be eligible to receive a grant from the Secretary under this subsection, an entity shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require, including— (A) a description of the training and curriculum described in section 203(9)(C)(i), and how the proposed pre-apprenticeship program makes individuals who successfully complete the pre-apprenticeship program qualified to enter into an established registered apprenticeship program; (B) evidence that there are or will be sufficient openings available in the registered apprenticeship program referenced in subparagraph (A) to enable the registered apprenticeship program sponsor to place into a corresponding registered apprenticeship those individuals who successfully complete the pre-apprenticeship program; (C) information about the entity that demonstrates the existence of an active, advisory partnership between the partners described in paragraph (2)(C) and the capacity, of a training and education provider in the entity, to provide the training and education services necessary for a pre-apprenticeship program; and (D) information about the proposed pre-apprenticeship program that demonstrates— (i) that the program is in an in-demand industry or occupation in the region in which the project is located; (ii) the use of integrated work-based and academic learning that may include training in the workplace; (iii) the inclusion of career exploration focused activities, such as job shadowing, career information activities, and résumé preparation, in the program; (iv) if the entity carrying out the project includes a high school, that the model to be used for the program leads to a high school diploma for participants without such a diploma; (v) how the pre-apprenticeship program is aligned with and leverages resources of career and technical education programs, programs and services authorized under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act ( 29 U.S.C. 3101 (vi) that the project aligns with an established registered apprenticeship program, including that the model used for the program leads to the attainment of skills and competencies necessary for entrance into the registered apprenticeship program for participants. (4) Use of funds (A) In general An eligible entity that receives a grant under this subsection shall use the grant funds to carry out a project that implements a pre-apprenticeship program. (B) Required activities The eligible entity shall use the grant funds— (i) to pay for the cost of training or education associated with the pre-apprenticeship program; (ii) for curriculum development that align with the requirements of the appropriate registered apprenticeship programs and learning assessments; (iii) to maintain a connection between the pre-apprenticeship program and registered apprenticeship program; (iv) for assessments of potential participants for, and enrollment of the participants in, the pre-apprenticeship program; and (v) to conduct evaluations described in paragraph (6)(B). (C) Allowable activities The eligible entity may use the grant funds for— (i) teacher training, including providing externship opportunities for teachers to learn about the skill needs of the industry or occupation that the pre-apprenticeship program focuses on; (ii) stipends for participants during work-based training in the program; or (iii) coordination of activities under this subsection with activities carried out under the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 ( 20 U.S.C. 2301 29 U.S.C. 3101 (5) Federal share (A) In general The Federal share of the cost described in paragraph (2)(A) shall be 75 percent. (B) Non-Federal share The eligible entity may contribute the non-Federal share of the cost in cash or in-kind, fairly evaluated, including plant, equipment, or services. (6) Performance (A) Measures The Secretary shall identify a set of common measures that, at a minimum, include measures of entry into a registered apprenticeship program and that are aligned with performance accountability measures described in section 116(c) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act ( 29 U.S.C. 3141(c) 20 U.S.C. 2301 (B) Evaluations Each eligible entity that receives a grant to carry out a project under this subsection shall arrange for another qualified entity to conduct an evaluation, or shall participate in a Department of Labor sponsored evaluation, of the project using the identified common measures, and shall, to the extent practicable, cooperate with the evaluator in any evaluations of activities carried out under this section. (C) Extensions The Secretary shall use the results of an evaluation for a project to determine whether to extend the grant period, or renew a grant, for the project under paragraph (2)(B). (c) Promoting awareness of registered apprenticeship programs (1) In general To promote awareness about registered apprenticeship programs, the Secretary, in cooperation with the Secretary of Education and the Secretary of Commerce, shall ensure that timely, current information about the value of registered apprenticeship programs in the labor market is made available through a range of widely accessible formats and venues. The information shall be made available to businesses, trade associations, professional associations, students, parents, workers, educational institutions, workforce and economic development organizations, and State and local elected officials. (2) Information for state and local workforce development boards To promote awareness about registered apprenticeship programs within the workforce development system, the Secretary shall disseminate information on the value of registered apprenticeship programs, to State and local workforce development boards described in subsection (b)(2)(C)(iv), which information shall include— (A) a list of registered apprenticeship programs in the State involved; (B) guidance for training staff of the workforce development system within the State on the value of registered apprenticeship programs, including relevant placement, retention and earnings information, as a training option for participants; (C) guidance on how individual training accounts under section 134(c)(3) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act ( 29 U.S.C. 3174(c)(3) (D) guidance on how performance accountability measures under section 116 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act ( 29 U.S.C. 3141 (3) Information for employers, trade associations, professional associations, industry groups and labor organizations To promote awareness about registered apprenticeship programs to workers and employers, the Secretary, in cooperation with the Secretary of Commerce, shall provide information about the value of registered apprenticeship programs, including relevant placement, retention and earnings information, through the one-stop delivery systems described in section 121 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act ( 29 U.S.C. 3151 (A) a list of registered apprenticeship programs in the State; (B) information on how to develop a registered apprenticeship program; and (C) information on financial resources available to assist with the establishment and implementation of registered apprenticeship programs. (4) Information for students and schools To promote awareness about registered apprenticeship programs among students and school staff, the Secretary, in cooperation with the Secretary of Education, shall disseminate information on the value of registered apprenticeship programs, including relevant placement, retention and earnings information, to high schools, area career and technical education schools (as defined in subsection (b)(2)(C)(i)), 2- and 4-year postsecondary educational institutions, and educational service agencies, to enable, at a minimum— (A) parents to understand registered apprenticeship programs and their value in postsecondary education and career pathways; (B) students to understand registered apprenticeship programs and their value in career pathways; (C) career and academic counselors to understand registered apprenticeship programs as a valuable postsecondary education option for students leading to job placement in in-demand industries and occupations; and (D) school administrators, workforce and economic development coordinators, and teachers and faculty to assist with the development, implementation, and continuation of registered apprenticeship programs. (d) Secretary’s National Advisory Committee on Apprenticeships (1) Establishment (A) In general There is established in the Department of Labor a National Advisory Committee on Apprenticeships, referred to in this section as the Advisory Committee (B) Composition The Advisory Committee shall have— (i) 21 voting members appointed by the Secretary, composed of— (I) 7 representatives of employers who participate in a registered apprenticeship program, including employers who participate in a registered apprenticeship program sponsored by a joint labor-management partnership; (II) 7 representatives of labor organizations who have responsibility for the administration of a registered apprenticeship program sponsored by a joint labor-management partnership; (III) 7 representatives of State apprenticeship agencies, community organizations with significant experience with a registered apprenticeship program, and 2- or 4-year postsecondary educational institutions with at least one articulation agreement with the entity administering a registered apprenticeship program; and (ii) members who are ex officio nonvoting representatives from the Departments of Labor, Commerce, Education, Energy, Housing and Urban Development, and Health and Human Services. (C) Qualifications The members shall be selected upon the basis of their experience and competence concerning apprenticeships. (D) Terms The Secretary shall appoint the members for terms of 4 years. (2) Chairperson The Secretary shall designate one of the members of the Advisory Committee to serve as Chairperson of the Advisory Committee. (3) Meetings The Advisory Committee shall hold not fewer than 2 meetings during each calendar year. All meetings of the Advisory Committee shall be open to the public. A transcript shall be kept of each meeting and made available for public inspection. (4) Duties The Advisory Committee shall advise, consult with, and make recommendations to the Secretary on matters relating to the administration of this part and the Act of August 16, 1937 (commonly known as the National Apprenticeship Act 29 U.S.C. 50 (5) Personnel (A) Procurement (i) In general The Chairperson of the Advisory Committee may procure the temporary and intermittent services of voting members of the Advisory Committee under section 3109(b) of title 5, United States Code, at rates for individuals that do not exceed the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay prescribed for level V of the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of such title. (ii) Officers or employees of the United States All members of the Advisory Committee who are officers or employees of the United States shall serve without compensation in addition to that received for their services as officers or employees of the United States. (B) Staff The Secretary shall supply the Committee with an executive secretary and provide such secretarial, clerical, and other services as the Secretary determines to be necessary to enable the Advisory Committee to conduct its business. (6) Permanent committee Section 14 of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (e) Evaluations and research (1) Evaluations of programs and activities carried out under this part For the purpose of improving the management and effectiveness of the programs and activities carried out under this part, the Secretary shall provide for the continuing evaluation, by an independent entity, of the programs and activities, including activities carried out under subsection (a)(3)(C). Such evaluations shall address— (A) the general effectiveness of such programs and activities in relation to their cost, including the extent to which the programs and activities— (i) improve the skill and employment competencies of participants in comparison to comparably situated individuals who did not participate in such programs and activities; and (ii) to the extent feasible, increase the level of total employment and recognized postsecondary credential attainment over the level that would have existed in the absence of such programs and activities; (B) the impact of the programs and activities for the participants, sponsors, and employers; (C) the return on investment of Federal, State, local, sponsor, employer, and other funding for registered apprenticeships to capture the full level of investment in, and impact of, registered apprenticeships; (D) the longitudinal outcomes for participants in the programs and activities; and (E) the impact of specific policies on the general effectiveness of such programs and activities. (2) Research The Secretary may conduct, through an independent entity, research on best practices in registered apprenticeship programs and pre-apprenticeship programs and other issues relating to such programs. (3) Techniques Evaluations and research conducted under this subsection shall utilize appropriate methodology and research designs. (4) Reports The independent entity carrying out the evaluations described in paragraph (1) or research described in paragraph (2) shall prepare and submit to the Secretary a final report containing the results of the evaluations or research, respectively, and including policy recommendations. The final report shall be made available for public inspection. Not later than 36 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall produce a final report related to the return on investment described in paragraph (1)(C). (5) Reports to Congress Not later than 60 days after the completion of all the final reports described in paragraph (4), the Secretary shall transmit the final reports to the Committee on Education and the Workforce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate. (6) Public access The Secretary shall develop a mechanism to make research developed under this part publically available in a timely manner. (f) Reservation The Secretary shall reserve not less than 10 percent of the funds appropriated under subsection (g) for each fiscal year for grants to States. A State that receives such a grant shall use the grant funds for the purpose of assisting the Administrator in carrying out the activities under this section, and may use the grant funds to support the voluntary establishment of a State apprenticeship office, if no such office exists in the State. (g) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $75,000,000 for fiscal year 2022 and each subsequent year. 212. Promoting integration with postsecondary education (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Collaborative The term Collaborative (2) Secretaries The term Secretaries (b) Collaborative with 2- and 4-Year postsecondary educational institutions (1) Establishment The Secretaries shall establish and maintain a voluntary Registered Apprenticeship-College Collaborative. The Collaborative shall consist of the sponsors carrying out registered apprenticeship programs, 2- or 4-year postsecondary educational institutions, and organizations that represent such programs or institutions, that agree to meet certain criteria in order to support the purposes described in paragraph (2). (2) Purposes The Collaborative shall support the purposes of— (A) promoting stronger connections between the registered apprenticeship programs involved and participating 2- and 4-year postsecondary educational institutions; (B) promoting the translation of experience in a registered apprenticeship program to academic credit at participating 2- and 4-year postsecondary educational institutions; (C) facilitating the enrollment of an individual who has completed a registered apprenticeship program (referred to in this section as an apprentice (D) advancing the attainment of associate’s and more advanced degrees by apprentices; (E) promoting the attainment of recognized postsecondary credentials with value in the labor market; and (F) expanding awareness about the value of registered apprenticeship programs as a postsecondary education option. (3) Participant requirements The Secretaries shall establish criteria that any interested 2- or 4-year postsecondary educational institution or sponsor shall meet in order to participate in the Collaborative, which criteria shall include, at a minimum— (A) for a 2- or 4-year postsecondary educational institution— (i) agreement to recognize and accept the academic credit (as assessed under subparagraph (B)(i)) earned by an apprentice for, and the assessment of the apprentice’s learning in, a registered apprenticeship program at another participating institution; (ii) agreement to have a formal articulation agreement with a participating sponsor of a registered apprenticeship program, other than a 2- or 4-year postsecondary educational institution; and (iii) agreement to provide certain information, as determined by the Secretaries, to the Collaborative; and (B) for a sponsor— (i) agreement to participate in third-party evaluations of the quality and rigor of the program offerings in order to determine the value of academic credit for learning during a registered apprenticeship program; (ii) agreement to have a formal articulation agreement with a participating 2- or 4-year postsecondary educational institution; and (iii) agreement to provide certain information, as determined by the Secretaries, to the Collaborative. (4) Memorandum of understanding (A) In general In order to participate in the Collaborative, interested 2- or 4-year postsecondary educational institutions and sponsors shall agree to meet certain conditions determined by the Secretaries. (B) Conditions Such conditions shall address, at a minimum— (i) how learning during a registered apprenticeship program, including related instruction and on-the-job training, will be assessed for academic credit; (ii) how programs and procedures, especially those related to admissions, credit transfer, and recognition of such learning will be structured to support accessibility for apprentices; (iii) how the structure and scheduling of courses will be developed in a way that supports the matriculation of apprentices; and (iv) how residency requirements will support the transferability of credit earned by apprentices. (5) Publicly available information The Secretaries shall maintain a publicly accessible website identifying, at a minimum— (A) the participating members of the Collaborative in each State; (B) a model for articulation agreements, and copies of some exemplary articulation agreements for illustrative purposes; and (C) such other information as the Secretaries determine to be necessary to promote awareness of the Collaborative and its members. (6) Use of funds (A) Administrative The Secretaries shall use 30 percent of the funds appropriated under subsection (c) to establish and maintain the Collaborative and the website referred to in paragraph (5), to support the advisory committee referred to in paragraph (6), and for technical assistance, evaluation, and research activities. (B) For program participants The Secretaries shall use 70 percent of the appropriated funds to carry out, directly or by grant or contract with an eligible entity, activities consisting of— (i) providing funding to Collaborative participants to support the development of articulation agreements with other Collaborative participants; (ii) providing funding to the Collaborative to support the assessment of learning during a registered apprenticeship program, for academic credit; (iii) providing funding to the Collaborative to support third-party evaluations of the quality and rigor of program offerings, referred to in paragraph (3)(B)(i), which evaluations shall be conducted by an entity that meets minimum criteria as established by the Secretaries; (iv) providing curriculum development, for participating institutions and sponsors; and (v) carrying out other purposes that will help participating 2- and 4-year postsecondary educational institutions and sponsors meet the requirements of paragraphs (3) and (4). (C) Eligible entities To be eligible to receive a grant or contract under subparagraph (B), an entity shall be a partnership comprised of— (i) at least 1-, 2-, or 4-year postsecondary educational institution participating in the Collaborative; and (ii) at least 1 sponsor of a registered apprenticeship program participating in the Collaborative. (c) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $5,000,000 for fiscal year 2022 and each subsequent year. 2 Program Development and Enhancement 221. Expanding registered apprenticeship programs (a) In general The Secretary shall provide payments of assistance for eligible sponsors of new (as of the date of submission of an application under subsection (b)) registered apprenticeship programs, or for eligible sponsors of existing registered apprenticeship programs that add employers as new (as of such date) partners, which may include joint labor-management registered apprenticeship programs. (b) Applications To be eligible to receive payments under this section for a registered apprenticeship program, a sponsor shall submit an application to the Secretary including information demonstrating that (as of the date of submission)— (1) (A) for a new registered apprenticeship program, the program received recognition as a registered apprenticeship program within the 36 months preceding that date; or (B) for an existing registered apprenticeship program (which may include joint labor-management registered apprenticeship programs), employers were added as new partners within the 36 months preceding that date; (2) the sponsor offered jobs that lead to economic self-sufficiency, as determined by a local workforce development board located in the same local workforce development area (meaning a local area, as defined in section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act ( 29 U.S.C. 3102 (3) the sponsor has demonstrated success in enrolling, instructing, advancing, and graduating individuals in the relevant registered apprenticeship program, and in the employment of such individuals after completion of the program; and (4) the sponsor had not received a payment under subsection (d) for that registered apprenticeship program. (c) Use of funds In providing assistance under this section, the Secretary shall arrange to provide payments as described in subsection (a) for eligible sponsors, as funds are available under this section. Funds made available through such a payment shall be used to reimburse an eligible sponsor for the allowable costs of establishing or expanding the registered apprenticeship program involved. The maximum total payment to any one sponsor may not exceed $25,000 or 50 percent of the allowable costs. (d) Disbursement The Secretary shall enter into arrangements with State workforce development boards to make disbursements through the local workforce development boards described in subsection (b)(2) to provide the payments to the eligible sponsors. (e) Evaluations Sponsors receiving grants under this section shall, to the extent practicable, cooperate with the Secretary in the conduct of evaluations of the activities carried out under this section. (f) Authorization of appropriations (1) In general There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2022 and each subsequent year. (2) Reservation The Secretary may reserve 5 percent of the amount appropriated under paragraph (1) for a fiscal year for distribution to the State workforce development boards and local workforce development boards, to pay for the costs of the boards associated with making determinations under subsection (b)(2) and disbursements under subsection (d), and as funds remain available, other costs of administration and management, technical assistance, research, and evaluation under this subtitle. B Reemployment 231. Requirement to provide reemployment bonus program under State unemployment compensation law (a) In general Section 303 of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 503 (n) (1) For purposes of subsection (a), the State law of a State must provide for a reemployment bonus program, to be approved by the Secretary of Labor, under which a reemployment bonus, in an amount specified under paragraph (2), shall be paid, immediately following the end of the 16-week period described in subparagraph (B), to any individual described in paragraph (3) who— (A) becomes employed by an employer other than the individual’s most recent employer not later than 12 weeks after the date of the individual’s initial claim for unemployment compensation; and (B) remains employed by such employer for a period of at least 16 consecutive weeks. (2) The amount of a reemployment bonus paid to an individual under paragraph (1) shall be an amount equal to ½ (3) An individual described in this paragraph is an individual who— (A) is eligible for unemployment compensation for the week before the week in which the individual becomes employed as described in paragraph (1)(A); and (B) has been identified under subsection (j) as an individual likely to exhaust regular compensation. (4) In this subsection, the terms regular compensation benefit year 26 U.S.C. 3304 . (b) Effective date The amendment made by subsection (a) shall, with respect to a State, apply to certifications for payment under section 302(a) of the Social Security Act in years beginning after the end of the 26-week period beginning on the first day of the first regularly scheduled session of the State legislature beginning on or after the date of the enactment of this Act. 232. Coordinating State unemployment compensation programs with the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (a) Referrals to WIOA services Section 303(j)(1)(B) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 503(j)(1)(B) job search assistance services job search assistance, training assistance, job relocation support, and income support services, (b) Reemployment services and eligibility assessments Section 306(b)(3) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 306(b)(3) program integration and service delivery program integration, service delivery, support services, and availability of training assistance 233. Permissible use of Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds for wage insurance (a) In general Chapter 3 of subtitle B of title I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act ( 29 U.S.C. 3171 135. Permissible use of funds for wage insurance (a) Wage insurance for State unemployment compensation recipients A State may use funds allotted to the State under this chapter to provide a wage insurance program for individuals who file a claim under any State unemployment compensation law. (b) Benefits The wage insurance program provided for in subsection (a) may pay, for a period not to exceed 2 years, to a worker described in subsection (c), up to 50 percent of the difference between— (1) the average of the wages received by the worker over the last twelve months of employment; and (2) the wages received by the worker from reemployment. (c) Individual eligibility The benefits described in subsection (b) may be paid to an individual who is a claimant for unemployment compensation at the time such individual obtains reemployment and who— (1) is at least 50 years of age, or 45 years of age if such individual lives in a distressed community; (2) earns not more than $50,000 per year in wages from reemployment; (3) is employed on a full-time basis as defined by the law of the State; and (4) is not employed by the employer from which the individual was last separated. (d) Total amount of payments A State shall establish a maximum amount of payments per individual for purposes of payments described in subsection (b) during the eligibility period described in such subsection. An employee shall report an increase in wages during the two-year period of participating in the wage insurance program and their total amount of payments shall reflect any modification. (e) Non-Discrimination regarding wages An employer shall not pay a worker described in subsection (c) less than such employer pays to another worker in the same or substantially equivalent position. (f) Distressed community defined The term distressed community (1) a low per capita income; (2) an unemployment rate below the national average; or (3) actual or threatened severe unemployment or economic adjustment problems. . (b) Authorization of appropriations Section 136 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act ( 29 U.S.C. 3181 (d) Wage insurance activities There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out the activities described in section 135 such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025 and each fiscal year thereafter. . 234. Training vouchers (a) Reference In this section, any reference to a section or other provision shall be a reference to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act ( 29 U.S.C. 3101 (b) Functions of the State board Section 101(d)(3) ( 29 U.S.C. 3111(d)(3) (1) in subparagraph (F), by striking ; and (2) in subparagraph (G), by striking the semicolon and inserting ; and (3) by adding at the end the following: (H) the development of strategies to promote the integration of workforce development services to unemployment insurance claimants. . (c) Programs and activities in State plans Section 103(a)(2) ( 29 U.S.C. 3113(a)(2) (L) The employment and training assistance authorized in this Act. (M) The job search support services authorized in this Act. . (d) Local plans Section 108(b) is amended— (1) in paragraph (21), by striking ; and (2) in paragraph (22), by striking the period and inserting ; and (3) by adding at the end the following: (23) a description of how training assistance will be administered. . (e) Required local employment and training activities for adults and dislocated workers (1) Training vouchers Section 134(c)(3) ( 29 U.S.C. 3174(c)(3) (A) in subparagraph (A)(i)— (i) by inserting a voucher for used to provide (ii) by redesignating subclauses (II), (III), and (IV) as subclauses (III), (IV), and (V), and after subclause (I) the following: (II) who select programs of training services that are linked to employment opportunities. ; (B) in subparagraph (F)— (i) in clause (iii), by deleting the clause heading and inserting Training vouchers.— through an individual training account through a training voucher (ii) in clause (iv), by striking coordinate funding for individual training accounts with funding from other Federal, State, local, or private job training programs or sources and arrange for payment for such services through a training voucher. Such payments may not exceed $8,000 for up to two years. (C) in subparagraph (G)(i), by striking individual training accounts training vouchers (2) Income support Section 134(d)(1)(B) ( 29 U.S.C. 3174(d)(1)(B) (A) in clause (i), by inserting provide income support for those adults and dislocated workers participating in a training program enhancing employment (B) by adding at the end the following: (iii) Duration and amounts The income support provided under clause (i) to individuals who are enrolled in training a weekly income stipend for up to 78 weeks after such individual exhausts unemployment insurance benefits, to help cover training-related costs like childcare or transportation. A participant’s weekly stipend will be equal to 100 percent or 50 percent of their unemployment insurance weekly benefit amount depending on whether, at the time of participation, their household income is below or above 130 percent of the Federal poverty level. . 235. Authorization of appropriations Section 136 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act ( 29 U.S.C. 2872 (1) in subsection (b)— (A) by striking and 2019, (B) by inserting before the period at the end the following: , and such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2023, 2024, and 2025 (2) in subsection (c)— (A) by striking and 2019, (B) by inserting before the period at the end the following: , and such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2023, 2024, and 2025 III Establishment of the Distressed Community Investment Agency 301. Definitions In this title: (1) Agency The term agency (2) Distressed community The term distressed community (A) a low per capita income; (B) an unemployment rate below the national average; or (C) actual or threatened severe unemployment or economic adjustment problems. (3) Institution of higher education The term institution of higher education 20 U.S.C. 1001(a) (4) State The term State 302. Distressed Community Investment Agency (a) In general There is established the Distressed Community Investment Agency within the Department of Commerce one year after the date of the enactment of this Act with the mission of promoting, establishing, and strengthening venture capital investment in distressed communities, including expenses of grants, contracts, and other agreements with public or private entities. (b) Functions The Distressed Community Investment Agency shall— (1) coordinate the plans, programs, and operations of the Federal Government which affect or may contribute to the promotion, establishment, and strengthening of venture capital investment in distressed communities; (2) promote the mobilization of activities and resources of State and local governments, businesses and trade associations, institutions of higher education, foundations, professional organizations, and volunteer and other groups towards the promotion, establishment, and strengthening of venture capital investment in distressed communities; (3) facilitate the coordination of the efforts of groups described in paragraph (2) with those of agencies; (4) establish satellite centers in distressed communities across the United States for the development, collection, summarization, and dissemination of information helpful to persons, State and local governments, businesses and trade associations, institutions of higher education, foundations, professional organizations, and volunteer and other groups in undertaking or promoting venture capital investment in distressed communities; (5) make grants, including contracts and cooperative agreements, to any State government or any agency thereof, any regional entity, any State-chartered development, any institution of higher education, or to any entity formed by two or more of the above entities to assist in establishing the satellite centers described in paragraph (4); (6) provide technical and management assistance to public or private entities or organizations engaged in promoting, establishing, and strengthening venture capital investment in distressed communities through workforce development and retention, attracting businesses and industries, fostering innovation, accelerating entrepreneurship and business growth, and marketing local, State, and regional ecosystems; and (7) defray all or part of the costs of pilot or demonstration projects conducted by public or private entities or organizations which are designed to overcome the unique challenge of promoting, establishing, and strengthening venture capital investment in distressed communities, or otherwise to further the purposes of this Act. (c) Responsibilities of the Secretary of Commerce The Secretary of Commerce, to enable the Distressed Community Investment Agency to better execute the functions described in this section and with the participation of the Economic Development Administration and other agencies, as appropriate, shall— (1) develop comprehensive plans and specific program goals for the Distressed Community Investment Agency; (2) establish regular performance monitoring and reporting systems to assure that goals are being achieved; (3) evaluate the impact of Federal support in achieving the objectives established by this title; (4) require a coordinated review of all proposed Federal training and technical assistance activities in support of promoting, establishing, and strengthening venture capital investment in distressed communities to assure consistency with the program goals of the Distressed Community Investment Agency and to avoid duplication; (5) convene, for purposes of coordination, meetings of the heads of agencies, or their designees, whose programs and activities may affect or contribute to the purposes of this title; (6) convene economic development organizations, venture capitalists, startup founders, entrepreneurs, chambers of commerce, and other representatives of the private sector who are engaged in growing venture capital investment in distressed communities or who could contribute to this growth to propose, evaluate, and coordinate governmental and private activities in furtherance of the objectives of this title; (7) confer with and advise officials of State and local governments; (8) provide the managerial and organizational framework through which joint or collaborative undertakings with agencies or private organizations can be planned and implemented; and (9) recommend appropriate legislative or executive actions. (d) Responsibilities of other agencies (1) Cooperation The head of each agency, or a representative designated by such head, when and in the manner so requested by the Secretary of Commerce, shall furnish information, assistance, and reports to, and shall otherwise cooperate with, the Distressed Community Investment Agency. (2) Designation of agency contact The head of each agency shall, when so requested by the Secretary of Commerce, designate the official to have primary and continuing responsibility for the participation and cooperation of that agency in matters related to promoting, establishing, and strengthening venture capital investment in distressed communities. (3) Agency contact duties Each official designated pursuant to paragraph (2), when so requested, shall keep the Secretary of Commerce informed of all proposed budgets, plans, and programs of the agency of that official related to promoting, establishing, and strengthening venture capital investment in distressed communities. (4) Continuing role of agencies Each agency shall continue all efforts to promote, establish, and strengthen venture capital investment in distressed communities, and shall cooperate with the Secretary of Commerce in increasing the total Federal effort. (e) Reports (1) Reports required by satellite centers Not later than September 30 of each year, each satellite center shall submit to the Secretary of Commerce a report on the activities of the center, including the following: (A) The center’s performance in implementing the plans and meeting the specific program goals set for the prior fiscal year. (B) The plans and specific program goals of the center for the next fiscal year. (C) Completed and ongoing joint and collaborative undertakings with the groups described in subsection (b)(2). (D) The services most used by the center. (E) Recommendations for improving the quality, utility, and delivery of services offered by the Distressed Community Investment Agency. (F) Any other information requested by the Secretary of Commerce. (2) Reports by the Secretary of Commerce Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this title and every March 31 thereafter, the Secretary of Commerce shall submit to Congress a report on the following: (A) The activities of the Distressed Community Investment Agency. (B) The location of new and existing satellite centers. (C) The performance of the Distressed Community Investment Agency in implementing the plans and meeting the specific program goals set for the prior fiscal year. (D) The plans and specific program goals for the next fiscal year. (E) Expenses of grants, contracts, and other agreements with public or private entities. (F) Completed and ongoing joint or collaborative undertakings with agencies and the groups described in subsection (b)(2). (G) Meetings convened by the Secretary with heads of agencies, representatives of the private sector, or officials of State and local governments. (H) A review and evaluation of the impact of Federal support in achieving the objectives established by this title. (I) Recommendations for legislation or other action determined to be desirable to promote the purposes of this title. (3) Reports by other agencies The head of each agency shall— (A) develop and implement systematic data collection processes to provide the Distressed Community Investment Agency current data helpful in evaluating efforts to promote, establish, and strengthen venture capital investment in distressed communities; and (B) not later than September 30 of each year, submit to the Secretary of Commerce a report on efforts to promote, establish, and strengthen venture capital investment in distressed communities through workforce development and retention, attracting businesses and industries, fostering innovation, accelerating entrepreneurship and business growth, and marketing local, State, and regional ecosystems. (f) Technical and conforming amendment Section 12 of the Act of February 14, 1903 ( 15 U.S.C. 1511 (1) in paragraph (4), by inserting a semicolon at the end; (2) in paragraph (5), by striking ; and (3) by redesignating paragraph (6) as paragraph (7); and (4) by inserting after paragraph (5) the following new paragraph: (6) Distressed Community Investment Agency; and . 303. Redesignation of Department of Commerce to Department of Innovation and Investment (a) In general The Department of Commerce is hereby redesignated the Department of Innovation and Investment. (b) References Any reference to the Department of Commerce in any law, rule, regulation, certificate, directive, instruction, or other official paper in force on the date of the enactment of this title shall be considered to refer and apply to the Department of Innovation and Investment. 304. Redesignation of Secretary of Commerce to Secretary of Innovation and Investment (a) In general The Secretary of Commerce is hereby redesignated the Secretary of Innovation and Investment. (b) References Any reference to the Secretary of Commerce in any law, rule, regulation, certificate, directive, instruction, or other official paper in force on the date of the enactment of this title shall be considered to refer and apply to the Secretary of Innovation and Investment. IV Authorization of Appropriations 401. Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of Education such sums as may be necessary to carry out each’s responsibilities to carry out this Act.

Summary: Working On Rewarding and Keeping Employees Resilient Act or the WORKER Act This bill addresses workforce development by advancing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, revising and implementing certain worker training, retention, and advancement programs, establishing the Distressed Community Investment Agency, and renaming the Department of Commerce as the Department of Innovation and Investment. The bill requires (1) the Department of Education (ED) to award grants to eligible entities to implement certain formal and informal engineering education programs in elementary and secondary schools, and (2) the use of certain career and technical education program funds for supporting a hands-on learning approach. The bill establishes in the Department of Labor an Office of Apprenticeship, including a National Advisory Committee on Apprenticeships, to promote apprenticeship programs. Labor and ED must establish a voluntary Registered Apprenticeship-College Collaborative consisting of the sponsors carrying out registered apprenticeship programs, two- or four-year post secondary educational institutions, and organizations that represent such programs or institutions. The bill requires states to provide a Labor-approved reemployment bonus program for individuals currently receiving unemployment benefits. It also allows states to use workforce development funds for a wage insurance program for individuals age 50 and over (age 45 and over for individuals in economically distressed communities) and establishes a training voucher program to assist workers in obtaining job skills training.