Youth Program

The WSA Youth Services Program is funded under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), which means there is no cost for these services. We serve in-school youth ages 14-24 and out-of-school youth ages 16-24. WIOA outlines a vision for supporting youth and young adults through integrated services. This vision includes high quality services for in-school and out-of-school youth beginning with career exploration and guidance, continued support for educational attainment, opportunities for skills training, and culminating with a good job along a career pathway or enrollment in post-secondary education.

Youth Program Elements:

• Tutoring, Study Skills Training, Instruction, and Dropout Prevention activities that lead to completion of a high school diploma or recognized equivalent
• Alternative Secondary School and Dropout Recovery Services assist youth who have struggled in traditional secondary education or who have dropped out of school
• Paid and Unpaid Work Experience is a structured learning experience in a workplace and provides opportunities for career exploration and skill development
• Occupational Skills Training is an organized program of study that provides specific skills and leads to proficiency in an occupational field
• Education Offered Concurrently with Workforce Preparation is an integrated education and training model combining workforce preparation, basic academic skills, and occupational skills
• Leadership Development Opportunities encourage responsibility, confidence, employability, self-determination, and other positive social behaviors
• Supportive Services enable an individual to participate in WIOA activities
• Adult Mentoring is a formal relationship between a youth and an adult mentor with structured activities where the mentor offers guidance, support, and encouragement
• Follow-up Services are provided following program exit to help ensure youth succeed in employment or education
• Comprehensive Guidance and Counseling provides individualized counseling to participants, including drug/alcohol and mental health counseling
• Financial Literacy Education provides youth with the knowledge and skills they need to achieve long-term financial stability
• Entrepreneurial Skills Training provides the basics of starting and operating a small business and develops entrepreneurial skills
• Services that Provide Labor Market Information offer employment and labor market information about in-demand industry sectors or occupations
• Postsecondary Preparation and Transition Activities help youth prepare for and transition to postsecondary education and training

 

WIOA Youth Program services are offered in our career centers located in our 13-county service area. To find the location nearest you click here or contact us at toll free: (800)310-6117.