Congress·In Committee·H.R. 7343

Foster Care: Expanded Education and Job Training

Foster Youth Workforce Opportunity Act

Legislative Progress

House

Senate

President

Law

This bill, introduced by Reps. Miller and Evans, expands federal support for foster youth to help them finish school and find jobs. It allows teenagers to start receiving career and education assistance at age 14 instead of waiting until they are 16 or 18.
The policy broadens how federal education vouchers can be used. Foster youth would be able to use the money for a wider range of options, including community college, trade schools, apprenticeships, and programs to earn a GED.
It provides extra time for students who need to catch up. While most participants get five years of help, those taking remedial classes to improve basic skills like reading or math can receive support for a total of six years.
The bill changes eligibility rules so that anyone who was in foster care at age 14 or older can qualify. This ensures that youth who leave the system before they turn 18 can still access the training and education they need to succeed as adults.
The new rules would take effect one year after the bill is signed into law, giving state agencies time to update their programs and notify eligible youth about the new opportunities.

2 milestones2 actions

Feb 4, 2026House

Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

Feb 4, 2026

Introduced in House

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Foster Youth Workforce Opportunity Act

Bill NumberHR 7343

Congress119th Congress

ChamberHouse of Representatives

Latest ActionReferred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

(1)

D: 1

Congress.gov

Official legislative information

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