September 11, 2025
Ms. Bonamici (for herself and Mr. Thompson of Pennsylvania) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce
To amend the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to raise public awareness for skilled trade programs, and for other purposes.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Access to Career Counseling for Every Secondary Student Act
or the ACCESS Act
.
Sec. 2. Career counseling and public awareness for skilled trade programs
(a) Statewide activities
Section 129(b)(2) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3164(b)(2)) is amended by redesignating subparagraphs (D) and (E) as subparagraphs (E) and (F), respectively, and inserting after subparagraph (C) the following:
(D)
carrying out public awareness campaigns and public service announcements, including social media campaigns and other forms of media, about career and technical education programs and programs provided by community-based organizations that prepare eligible youth for high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand industry sectors or occupations in current or emerging professions (including skilled trades);;
(b) Local elements and requirements
Section 129(c)(2)(M) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3164(c)(2)(M)) is amended to read as follows:
(M)
services and opportunities that provide labor market and employment information about high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand industry sectors or occupations in current or emerging professions (including skilled trades) available in the local area, such as career awareness, career counseling, and career exploration services; and