CAREERS Act

This bill renews and updates the USDA’s Rural Innovation Stronger Economy (RISE) grants to help rural communities grow jobs and skills. It lets grant funds support “career pathway” training and industry partnerships so people can gain credentials and move into good local jobs. It also broadens where funds can go and how success is tracked.

The bill allows support for key rural industries like broadband and telecom; water, wastewater, and disposal; electric services; conservation; health care; child care; manufacturing; and agribusiness, plus other in‑demand local fields named by the regional workforce board. Career pathway programs must include a member of the local workforce development board to align training with local needs. Instead of aiming to fund job accelerators in at least 25 states, USDA must ensure a good regional mix of grant recipients across the country. Grant recipients must also report on results like credentials earned and participants’ jobs and earnings. The program is authorized for 2025–2030, and the changes take effect within one year after the law is enacted.

Key points

• Who is affected: Rural workers and job seekers, local employers and industry groups, training programs (including career and technical education schools), and local workforce boards.
• What changes: RISE grants can fund career pathways and industry partnerships; more rural sectors are eligible; USDA must ensure regional diversity instead of a 25‑state goal; added reporting on outcomes; priority also considers issues like worker displacement, an aging workforce, and youth leaving rural areas .
• When: Authorized for 2025–2030; changes start no later than one year after enactment.