Tab#4 - Local WIA Youth Plan

I. YOUTH PROGRAM CHANGES UNDER WIA

The intent of the youth program under the WIA is to develop a comprehensive youth strategy which is a move away from one-time, short-term intervention and moving to a systematic approach that offers youth a broad range of coordinated services based on the ten program elements outlined in the Act. Rather than supporting separate categorical programs, youth programs should be designed to facilitate the provision of a menu of varied services that may be provided in combination or alone at different times during a youth’s development. 

In addition, the focus of summer employment opportunities is to link directly to academic and occupational learning for youth which is a shift from a stand alone effort to summer employment opportunities. Each eligible youth served with these funds should be provided an objective assessment of academic, basic and occupational skill levels in identifying service strategies for participation. 

Program offerings should provide needed guidance for youth that is balanced with appropriate consideration of each youth’s involvement in his or her training and educational plan. In establishing youth activities, service providers are expected to link programs more closely with local labor market needs, provide a stronger connection between academic and occupational learning and established programs which prepare youth for post-secondary education or unsubsidized employment opportunities. There should be strong connections between the One-Stop service delivery system so youth can learn early in their development how to access the services of the One-Stop system and continue to use these services throughout their working lives. 

The Department of Labor has provided States with three options for accessing youth funds for program year 2000. Ohio chose Option III, which allows Ohio to submit an abbreviated transition plan for youth activities that will be conducted between April 1 and June 30, 2000.

The funds will be used primarily for planning activities that will begin on July 1, 2000. Ohio will submit a five-year strategic plan by April 1, 2000 that will address comprehensive youth activities.

II. KEY STRATEGIC DECISIONS REGARDING THE YOUTH PROGRAM

A. Identification of Criteria for Awards of Local Grants and Contracts 

The criteria to be used by the Governor and Local Boards to identify effective and ineffective youth activities and providers is still being developed, but some of the factors being considered are: 

• demonstrated performance;

• past experience operating youth programs;

• qualifications of staff;

• access to counseling and support services;

• capacity to do skill and leadership development

• relationship with employers;

• connection with the education system, including post secondary education;

• central focus on youth;

• continuity and consistency of contact with caring adults;

• variety of options for completing competency certification;

• positive peer support;

• opportunities to serve the community in a constructive manner; and

• follow-up support over a sustained period of time. 

It is anticipated that the criteria will be developed for inclusion in the final local planning guidance. 

B. Local Definition of Eligibility Criterion 

Five of the six criterions for defining eligible youth are specified in the Workforce Investment Act. Ohio will delegate the responsibility for defining the sixth youth eligibility criterion to the local boards. It is as follows: an individual (including a youth with a disability) who requires additional assistance to complete an education program, or to secure and hold employment." 

C. Description of Strategy for Providing Comprehensive Services 

Local Boards should design a local youth transition plan that provides for comprehensive services to eligible in-school and out-of-school youth. Youth programs should be designed to connect youth with a full range of services and community resources that lead to academic and employment success. 

Local Boards should focus on a comprehensive strategy in accordance with WIA when developing their youth transition plans. Local service providers are expected to offer a comprehensive array of services to eligible youth incorporating all of the ten required program elements, including follow-up services for a minimum of 12 months. The focus of summer employment opportunities for youth should shift from a stand-alone effort to one of ten required program elements, which must be made available through local program operators. In addition, summer employment opportunities must be directly linked to academic and occupational learning. Each eligible youth served with these funds should be provided an objective assessment of academic, basic and occupational skill levels in identifying service strategies for participation. In establishing youth activities under WIA, service providers are also expected to link programs more closely with local labor market needs, provide a stronger connection between academic and occupational learning, and establish programs which prepare youth for post secondary education or unsubsidized employment opportunities as appropriate. 

D. Description of Youth Program Design with Ten Required Elements 

The WIA Transitional Youth Plans that covers the period of April1 to June 30, 2000 will focus on planning the local year round youth program and in some cases participants may be enrolled in the summer employment opportunities component. Each Local Workforce Investment Board and Workforce Policy Board will be required to have a summer employment opportunities component in their year round youth program. The required elements of the youth program are: 

• preparation for post secondary educational opportunities;

• strong linkages between academic and occupational learning;

• preparation for unsubsidized employment opportunities;

• effective linkages with intermediaries with strong employer connections;

• alternative secondary school services;

• summer employment opportunities;

• paid and unpaid work experiences;

• occupational skill training;

• leadership development opportunities;

• comprehensive guidance and counseling;

• supportive services; and

• follow-up services. 

III. FORMAT AND PROCEDURES FOR SUBMISSION 

In order to assist local areas in the writing of their local plan and to enable consistent State review of local plans, Tab # 12 is the format and procedures that will be required for submission of the local youth transition plan.