Economic independence is fundamental to women's equality. Yet for millions of women, barriers such as unaffordable childcare, unreliable transportation, housing insecurity and limited access to education and workforce training continue to stand in the way of obtaining quality employment and advancing their careers.

The bipartisan Gateway to Careers Act (S. 4578) offers a practical solution by expanding access to workforce training while addressing many of the barriers that prevent people—particularly women—from entering and remaining in the workforce.

Introduced by Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Todd Young (R-IN) and Susan Collins (R-ME), this legislation would establish competitive grants that bring together community and technical colleges, workforce development boards, employers and community organizations to help unemployed and underemployed individuals gain the skills needed for substantial careers.

Importantly, the bill recognizes that workforce training alone is often not enough. Many women balance employment with caregiving responsibilities or face financial and logistical obstacles that make completing a training program difficult. The Gateway to Careers Act supports wraparound services that help remove these barriers, including:

• Affordable childcare
• Transportation assistance
• Career counseling and career navigation
• Housing support
• Health insurance coverage
• Mental health and substance use treatment
• Assistance accessing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits

While these services will support all workers, women face unique barriers to workforce participation, including caregiving responsibilities and limited access to affordable support services. The Gateway to Careers Act helps address these challenges by expanding workforce training, strengthening partnerships between educators and employers, and providing supports that connect women to high-demand careers, family-sustaining wages and greater economic security.

Senator Maggie Hassan states, "By helping remove barriers to workforce participation and investing in job training programs, this bipartisan bill will strengthen opportunities for workers, while helping businesses hire and retain skilled employees."

"Removing barriers that keep individuals from reaching their full potential will help train our workers and grow our economy,” says Senator Todd Young.

Please use our pre-drafted letters to urge your senators to co-sponsor and support the Gateway to Careers Act (S. 4578). If they have already sponsored or co-sponsored the bill, you can send a message of thanks.