Out-of-school youth (and those most at risk of dropping out) are an important part of the new workforce “supply pipeline” that businesses need to fill job vacancies in the knowledge-driven economy.
Workforce Investment Act-funded youth programs serve as catalysts to connect young people with quality secondary and postsecondary educational opportunities and high-growth employment opportunities.
Youth Services prepare young people for these opportunities by offering a comprehensive year-round package of services that increases their success in school and in the workplace by bringing together:
Our approach ensures coordination of youth funds and services in the community, and creates a youth services network that is closely linked to the labor market.
Traditional employment and training activities are combined with youth development activities, such as maintaining positive relationships with responsible adults and peers, exploring opportunities for community service and developing leadership skills. These programs offer an appropriate range of services based on the needs of youth as they grow and mature. Counselors ensure that services are provided in a coordinated and youth-friendly manner.
Eligibility requirements:
To be eligible for Workforce Investment Act youth services, a youth must be age 14 - 21, low-income, and possess at least one of six specified characteristics:
- Deficient in basic literacy skills
- School dropout
- Homeless, runaway, or foster child
- Pregnant or parenting
- Offender, or
- Requires additional assistance to complete an educational program, or to secure and hold employment (including a youth with a disability).
Local service providers determine what program elements each youth needs through an assessment of the youth’s skills and needs. An individualized strategy is developed from assessment results, detailing the services needed as well as the sequence in which they should be provided. Youths may participate in multiple elements as indicated by assessment results and receive follow-up services for a minimum period of twelve months.
Youth services include:
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Tutoring, study skills training
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Alternative secondary school
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Summer employment opportunities
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Paid and unpaid work experiences, including internships and job shadowing
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Occupational skill training
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Leadership development
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Supportive services
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Adult mentoring
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Follow-up services
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Comprehensive guidance and counseling.
For more information on youth services near you, contact your local Workforce Development Board.