HYDE-SMITH, ROSEN RELAUNCH BILL TO RECONNECT MID-CAREER PROFESSIONALS WITH STEM JOBS

HYDE-SMITH, ROSEN RELAUNCH BILL TO RECONNECT MID-CAREER PROFESSIONALS WITH STEM JOBS

Bipartisan Legislation Supports Paid "Returnships" for Reentering Workers at Small and Mid-size STEM Businesses

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today joined U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) in reintroducing their bipartisan legislation to help mid-career professionals reenter the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) workforce through paid, supportive "returnships" at small and medium-sized businesses.

The STEM Restoring Employment Skills through Targeted Assistance, Re-entry, and Training Act (STEM RESTART Act) would create a federal grant program supporting small and mid-sized STEM businesses in developing "returnships" or structured, short-term, paid positions that include mentorship and professional development opportunities.

"Many skilled professionals step away from the workforce, but face significant barriers when trying to return, especially in technical fields where innovation moves fast. Our legislation equips small and mid-sized businesses with the tools to tap into this valuable talent pool. This will help hardworking Americans reconnect with meaningful careers while growing the STEM workforce in states like Mississippi and beyond," Hyde-Smith said.

"When we invest in STEM education and workforce development, we can open the door to successful careers in some of the most in-demand industries," said Senator Rosen. "I'm glad to introduce this bipartisan bill to help give workers the training and tools they need to enter new STEM careers. I'll keep working across party lines to make sure all Nevadans have the skills needed to fill good-paying jobs."

The STEM RESTART Act would benefit individuals who have taken a break from the workforce and want to transition back into these high-demand careers. It would encourage businesses to base hiring on real-world experience rather than resumés alone by giving returning workers a chance to demonstrate their skills through a paid returnship program.

Specifically, the STEM RESTART Act:

• Allocates $50 million per year in grant funding for small and medium-sized businesses to establish returnships for qualified talent in in-demand industries within the STEM workforce.
• Requires any grant-funded returnship to last at least 10 weeks and includes assurances of how the program will build upon returning workers' skills. Requires the Secretary of Labor to track and report to Congress on the use of funding by grantees. Also sets parameters for who can apply for grant funds and limits initial funding to five years.
• Allows small and medium-sized businesses within in-demand industries - as determined by Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act standards and State and local workforce development strategies - to apply for grant funds. Also allows grantees to collaborate with other providers, including universities and nonprofit organizations, to provide the best returnship experience.
• Ensures that returning workers must be provided payment and benefits equivalent to a grantee's existing non-entry-level employees. Allows for grant funds to be used for benefits and incentives, such as childcare and necessary travel or training expenses.

U.S. Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) is also an original cosponsor of the STEM RESTART Act. U.S. Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.) and Jim Baird (R-Ind.) are sponsoring identical bipartisan legislation in the House.

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