Immersive Technology for the American Workforce Act of 2025 | ChamberLight
Bills · S 2855
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 2855Employment and training programsVocational and technical education
Immersive Technology for the American Workforce Act of 2025
INTRO SEP 18· LAST ACTION MAR 19
READING
8MIN
COSPONSORS
1
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
Voters should care about this bill because it aims to prepare the American workforce for the jobs of the future. As technology advances, new skills are needed, and this bill tries to bridge that gap by funding training in emerging areas like virtual and augmented reality. If it becomes law, it could lead to more job opportunities for people in high-demand fields and help workers adapt to changing industries.
If this bill does not become law, the growth of immersive technology training programs might be slower, potentially leaving some workers without the skills needed for new jobs and industries. It also means that community colleges and career centers would have less dedicated funding to develop these specific types of programs, which could impact their ability to offer cutting-edge education and support local economic development. The bill also specifically addresses the need to train those with barriers to employment and to retrain workers from declining industries, offering a pathway for economic self-sufficiency.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extracted
PROVISION 01
Establishes a competitive grant program for community colleges and career centers to develop immersive technology training.
This provides dedicated funding to prepare the workforce for jobs requiring new technologies like virtual and augmented reality.
PROVISION 02
Requires grant funds to be used for creating career pathways into in-demand industry sectors and occupations.
This ensures the training directly leads to jobs that are needed in the economy, helping students achieve economic self-sufficiency.
PROVISION 03
Prioritizes grants for programs that work with employers, serve rural communities, or target individuals with barriers to employment.
This aims to connect training directly with industry needs and ensure equitable access to new job skills for underserved populations.
PROVISION 04
Directs the Secretary of Labor to evaluate programs and publish best practices for using immersive technology in training.
This helps ensure the effectiveness of the grant program and shares successful methods for widespread adoption.
Voters should care about this bill because it aims to prepare the American workforce for the jobs of the future. As technology advances, new skills are needed, and this bill tries to bridge that gap by funding training in emerging areas like virtual and augmented reality. If it becomes law, it could lead to more job opportunities for people in high-demand fields and help workers adapt to changing industries.
If this bill does not become law, the growth of immersive technology training programs might be slower, potentially leaving some workers without the skills needed for new jobs and industries. It also means that community colleges and career centers would have less dedicated funding to develop these specific types of programs, which could impact their ability to offer cutting-edge education and support local economic development. The bill also specifically addresses the need to train those with barriers to employment and to retrain workers from declining industries, offering a pathway for economic self-sufficiency.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Establishes a competitive grant program for community colleges and career centers to develop immersive technology training.
This provides dedicated funding to prepare the workforce for jobs requiring new technologies like virtual and augmented reality.
high
Requires grant funds to be used for creating career pathways into in-demand industry sectors and occupations.
This ensures the training directly leads to jobs that are needed in the economy, helping students achieve economic self-sufficiency.
med
Prioritizes grants for programs that work with employers, serve rural communities, or target individuals with barriers to employment.
This aims to connect training directly with industry needs and ensure equitable access to new job skills for underserved populations.
med
Directs the Secretary of Labor to evaluate programs and publish best practices for using immersive technology in training.
This helps ensure the effectiveness of the grant program and shares successful methods for widespread adoption.
Not later than 2 years after the beginning of the initial grant period
Eligible entity report to the Secretary (first submission)
Not later than 2 years after the first grant is awarded
Secretary's report to Congress (first submission)
Not later than 30 days after the third year of the grant period
Establishment and publication of best practices by Secretary
GLOSSARY
AI-written
Immersive Technology
Technologies like virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) that create simulated environments or overlay digital information onto the real world, often used for training or interactive experiences.
Competitive Grant Program
A system where government funds are awarded to organizations (like schools) that submit the best proposals meeting specific criteria, rather than being given out automatically.
Workforce Development
Programs and policies aimed at improving the skills and abilities of a community's labor force to meet the needs of employers and support economic growth.
Career Pathway
A sequence of education courses and job training that helps individuals progress towards a specific career, often leading to a recognized credential or degree.
Eligible Entities
Organizations or institutions that meet the requirements to apply for and receive a grant under a specific program, in this case, community colleges and career and technical education centers.
In-demand Industry Sectors or Occupations
Areas of work or types of jobs that have a high number of open positions or are projected to grow significantly, indicating a strong need for skilled workers.
ACTION TIMELINE
3 EVENTS
MAR 19
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Hearings held.
COMMITTEE
SEP 18, 25
Introduced in Senate
INTROREFERRAL
SEP 18, 25
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Challenges or obstacles that make it difficult for an individual to find or keep a job, such as disabilities, lack of transportation, or limited education.
Recognized Postsecondary Credential
A certification, license, or degree (like an associate's degree) awarded after completing a program of study beyond high school, which is accepted by employers or educational institutions.
