Daines, Hassan Introduce Bill to Codify First Lady Melania Trump’s Foster Care Initiative, Expand Education and Employment Opportunities for Foster Youth

• April 17, 2026

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) today introduced the "Foster Youth Education and Workforce Opportunity Act," bipartisan legislation to expand education and workforce pathways for youth transitioning out of the foster system, especially in rural communities.

The bill builds on First Lady Melania Trump's "Fostering the Future" initiative and would codify key priorities outlined in the President's Executive Order by increasing flexibility in Education and Training Vouchers (ETVs) and supporting career-focused education and training opportunities that lead to in-demand jobs.

Representatives Max Miller (OH-07), Dwight Evans (PA-3), Judy Chu (CA-28) and Nathaniel Moran (TX-01) have introduced companion bills in the U.S. House of Representatives as part of a broader bipartisan effort to modernize the John H. Chafee Foster Care Program.

"One of the greatest gifts that we can give our children is the opportunity to succeed. Unfortunately, foster youth aging out of the system often lack access to the education and workforce training needed to build a career, especially in rural states like Montana. Our bill will support the First Lady's efforts to help improve pathways for success for America's foster youth and set them up for a bright future. I'll fight to get it across the finish line," said Daines.

"Young people from all walks of life deserve access to meaningful school and job training opportunities that help them build stable, rewarding futures. This bipartisan legislation will expand access to apprenticeships, workforce training, and higher education for young people in foster care. Increasing access to these valuable learning opportunities will help these young people thrive and pursue their life goals," said Hassan.

"Too many foster youths face unnecessary barriers when trying to pursue workforce training. I'm proud Senator Daines is joining me in leading legislation that expands access to these opportunities, removes barriers, and prepares our young people for the good-paying jobs that drive today's economy. Every young person deserves a fair shot at success, no matter their background," said Congressman Miller.

Read the bill text HERE.

Background:

Each year, about 20,000 young adults age out of the foster care system and face significant barriers to employment, education, and housing. By their mid-20s, former foster youth earn approximately 50 percent less and have lower employment rates than their peers, underscoring the need for stronger pathways to self-sufficiency.

The John H. Chafee Foster Care Program provides support through Education and Training Vouchers (ETVs) to help foster youth pursue postsecondary education. However, the program has not kept pace with rising costs or the evolving demands of today's workforce needs.

The Foster Youth Education and Workforce Opportunity Act would modernize the program by:

• Expanding the allowable uses of ETVs to include short-term, workforce-aligned training programs registered apprenticeships, career and technical education, GED attainment, and remedial education
• Increasing the maximum individual ETV award from $5,000 to $12,000 annually
• Improving flexibility for states to address barriers to participation, including transportation challenges, particularly in rural communities, and by simplifying the application process.

This bipartisan legislation strengthens pathways to self-sufficiency and aligns federal support expanding access to education and training opportunities beyond a traditional college degree.

###

Contact: