Leveraging Educational Opportunity Networks Act

The Leveraging Educational Opportunity Networks Act would create a new, competitive grant program within the Department of Labor to fund eligible entities in designing and operating sector-focused workforce training programs. The grants are intended to expand access to career and technical education (CTE), with wraparound supports and industry partnerships, in order to prepare workers—particularly those who lack a four-year degree or come from underserved communities—to earn postsecondary credentials and jobs that pay a living wage. Programs must be statewide in scope (operating in at least 10 states), target in-demand industries, and include elements such as pre-enrollment preparation, stipends, employer partnerships, and regular reporting on participant earnings and credential attainment. The bill also sets priorities for funding and requires detailed reporting to measure outcomes and impact. Funding would be provided through authorized appropriations of $30 million per fiscal year from 2026 through 2029. The bill emphasizes serving workers without bachelor’s degrees, the working poor, and populations historically underserved by the labor market, and seeks to address persistent labor shortages in sectors like manufacturing, IT, health care, construction, and logistics through sectoral training with supportive services.