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The Youth program under WIA is designed to help young people develop the skills they need to get and keep good jobs. WIA youth programs offer a wide range of services to support them as they work toward these goals.
Youth Program Elements
WIA requires that ten activities be available to everyone in a WIA youth program. Those elements are:
- Tutoring, study skills training, and instruction;
- Alternative education;
- Summer employment when linked to academic and occupational learning;
- Paid and unpaid work experiences;
- Occupational skill training;
- Leadership development;
- Supportive services (transportation, child care, work uniforms, tools, etc.);
- Adult mentoring for 12 months;
- Follow-up services for 12 months; and
- Comprehensive guidance and counseling.
This does not mean that every young person is involved in every program element. When a young person enrolls in a WIA youth program, a case managers works with him or her to develop an Individual Service Strategy, or ISS. Part of that strategy is deciding which program elements each young person needs to help them succeed.
Targeted Population
WIA youth programs focus on young people from families with low incomes. Before participating in a WIA youth program, a young person must provide evidence that he or she meets the income eligibility requirements.
In addition to the financial requirements, youth enrolled in WIA programs must also face one or more other issues that make succeeding a challenge.
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