STEM RESTART Act
The STEM RESTART Act would add a new national grant program under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) designed to help mid-career workers reenter or transition into the STEM workforce. The program would provide competitive RESTART grants to small- and medium-sized STEM employers (and consortia) to establish on-the-job returnship opportunities that are above entry level, include pay and benefits, and provide education and training. The goal is to expand access to high-quality internships or returnships—especially for unemployed, underemployed, or rural workers—while creating pathways to full-time STEM careers. Grants would last 3-5 years, with funding levels set by company size, and would require collaboration with eligible providers (such as colleges, workforce boards, and other skilled-training organizations). The act also requires reporting on participant outcomes and includes a federal funding authorization of $50 million per year for 2026-2030.
Key Points
- 1Creation of RESTART grants to fund returnship programs in STEM for mid-career workers, prioritizing opportunities above entry level and targeting unemployed, underemployed, and rural workers.
- 2Eligible grantees include small-sized enterprises (50–499 employees), medium-sized enterprises (500–9,999 employees), or consortia of such firms, located in the United States.
- 3Grants must fund programs lasting at least 10 weeks and covering on-the-job training, education, mentorship, stipends/pay, and related supports; programs should not displace current full-time staff.
- 4Returnships are defined broadly to include internships, apprenticeships, re-entry opportunities, or direct-hire pathways with support, that lead to higher-than-entry-level roles and compensation.
- 5Strong emphasis on quality and outcomes: required reporting on participant demographics and employment transitions, with an evaluation and dissemination of best practices by the Secretary, plus coordination with state workforce boards.
- 6Funding authorization of $50 million annually for 2026-2030, with specific grant ranges adapted to entity size (e.g., small firms: $100k–$1M per year; medium firms/consortia: $500k–$5M per year).