Bill Overview
Title: GI Internship Program Act
Description: This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a program to match veterans who are entitled to educational assistance with internships to provide such veterans with work experience and marketable skills. The VA shall establish criteria that employers must meet to participate in the program. The following employers are excluded from participating in the program: (1) government agencies, (2) employers who cannot provide the VA with certain assurances, and (3) employers who have previously participated in the program and failed to abide by its requirements. The VA shall pay individuals who are full-time participants in such an internship the amount of educational assistance payable to those participating in a full-time apprenticeship or other on-job training programs. Interns shall be considered as employees of the VA, not the program employer, for purposes of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Additionally, each intern and employer shall provide the VA with a monthly certification that the intern worked at least 35 hours each week performing functions that provided the individual with valuable experience. The VA and the Department of Labor shall create and publicize a website to serve as a portal for the program. The VA shall (1) minimize the administrative burdens incurred by employers due to their participation in the program, and (2) ensure that employer participation is at no cost to the employer.
Sponsors: Rep. Schneider, Bradley Scott [D-IL-10]
Target Audience
Population: Veterans who are entitled to educational assistance
Estimated Size: 700000
- The bill impacts U.S. veterans who are entitled to educational assistance, and thus are eligible for the program.
- According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, there are approximately 19 million veterans in the United States as of recent reports.
- Not all veterans are entitled to educational assistance. The Post-9/11 GI Bill, for example, is one of the main sources of educational assistance, with over 700,000 veterans and their dependents using its benefits each year.
- Given that the bill targets those specifically using these benefits, a reasonable estimate of the target population might be veterans currently receiving such educational benefits under the GI Bill or similar programs.
Reasoning
- Veterans are a significant group within the U.S., but not all qualify for educational assistance programs like the GI Bill. Thus, the number affected by the policy is smaller than the total veteran population.
- The budget constraints mean the program must be limited in reach and scope. The cost of providing stipends and managing the program must allow broad but realistic participation.
- The program aims to improve veterans' employability and life satisfaction, which should lead to a general increase in wellbeing for active participants.
- The policy's impact will range due to varying personal circumstances, levels of current wellbeing, and access to alternative employment opportunities.
Simulated Interviews
Veteran, seeking employment (Austin, Texas)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think this program is a great opportunity.
- Transitioning to civilian jobs can be tough, and real work experience while in school would help a lot.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Veteran, freelance consultant (Seattle, Washington)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.5 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The program seems useful, especially for younger vets starting out.
- I might not benefit directly since I prefer flexible work.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Veteran, unemployed (Chicago, Illinois)
Age: 34 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This could be the break I need to get back on my feet.
- Most jobs require experience, which this program can provide.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Veteran, working part-time (Miami, Florida)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Balancing school and work is hard; an internship would be advantageous.
- It should also help with networking in the IT field.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Retired Veteran (Phoenix, Arizona)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I wouldn't need this, but it could be a great resource for younger vets.
- I support anything that helps vets transition better into civilian life.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Veteran, student (Denver, Colorado)
Age: 31 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This program could give me the practical experience I need before graduation.
- It’s a stepping stone to starting my own business eventually.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Veteran, looking for opportunities in tech (Charlotte, North Carolina)
Age: 27 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've been frustrated by the lack of entry-level tech jobs.
- Internships offered by this program could lead to better opportunities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Veteran, retired (Columbus, Ohio)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm happy being retired and wouldn't use this program.
- It sounds beneficial for those transitioning or looking to re-enter the workforce.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
Veteran, part-time worker (San Diego, California)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Seems like a solid program to build skills while finishing my degree.
- I hope it opens up more doors in tech.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Veteran, small business owner (New York City, New York)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Although I'm self-employed, this program can be a great benefit to those looking for stable jobs.
- It's a good incentive for both veterans and employers.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $2610000000 (Low: $2400000000, High: $2900000000)
Year 2: $2640000000 (Low: $2430000000, High: $2930000000)
Year 3: $2670000000 (Low: $2460000000, High: $2960000000)
Year 5: $2730000000 (Low: $2520000000, High: $3020000000)
Year 10: $2850000000 (Low: $2640000000, High: $3140000000)
Year 100: $3610000000 (Low: $3400000000, High: $3900000000)
Key Considerations
- Program success depends on effective matching of veterans to suitable internships.
- Costs will vary based on the number of veterans opting to participate annually.
- Administrative efficiency will be crucial to minimize costs associated with maintaining the program.