Sponsors (3)
The bill invests federal funds to expand and standardize immersive-technology workforce training (improving access, program quality, and employer alignment) while concentrating competitive resources and administrative burdens that may disadvantage smaller providers and requires ongoing taxpayer funding.
Students — including service members and veterans — gain access to immersive-technology training linked to in-demand jobs, improving employment prospects and pathways into the workforce.
Community colleges, career-technical schools, and employer partners receive prioritized, sustained federal investment ($50M/year FY2026–2035) enabling multi-year (up to 5-year) grants that strengthen employer-aligned credential pathways and program continuity.
People with disabilities are ensured program accessibility consistent with ADA Title II and WIOA non-discrimination requirements, increasing their access to the training programs.
Smaller or new training providers and institutions may struggle to compete for limited competitive grants, reducing geographic and program diversity and concentrating funds among larger providers.
Administrative and reporting requirements (application, alignment, data and WIOA reporting) create burdens that may strain the capacity of smaller institutions and state agencies to apply for and administer grants.
Taxpayers fund $50M/year (FY2026–2035), increasing federal spending over the decade and posing opportunity costs for other programs or priorities.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Establishes a competitive DOL grant program to fund immersive-technology career pathways, training, and instructor development subject to appropriation.
Creates a competitive grant program at the Department of Labor to fund use of immersive technology (e.g., virtual/augmented reality) in career pathways, education, and workforce training that lead to recognized credentials and employment. Grants (up to five years) support programs that expand training into in‑demand sectors, make training accessible to people with disabilities and other barriers, and train instructors; the Secretary must award grants within one year of enactment from amounts appropriated.
Official title: To direct the Secretary of Labor to carry out a competitive grant program to support community colleges and area career and technical education centers in developing immersive technology education and training services programs for workforce development, and for other purposes.
Introduced January 7, 2026 by John W. Mannion · Last progress January 7, 2026