Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)

Program Description

Under Title I of WIOA (2014), the Youth program provides funds to states and outlying areas, which in turn provide local workforce development areas with resources to deliver comprehensive youth services. The program focuses on:

• Assisting out-of-school youth (OSY) and in-school youth (ISY) with one or more barriers to employment
• Preparing youth for employment and postsecondary education opportunities
• Helping youth attain educational and/or skills training credentials
• Supporting youth in securing employment with career and promotional opportunities

Services Provided

The WIOA Youth program includes:

• Tutoring and alternative secondary school services
• Paid and unpaid work experiences (summer/year-round employment, pre-apprenticeships, internships, job shadowing, on-the-job training)
• Occupational skills training
• Education concurrently with workforce preparation
• Leadership development opportunities
• Supportive services and mentoring
• Follow-up services, guidance, and counseling
• Financial literacy education
• Entrepreneurial skills training
• Labor market and employment information services
• Postsecondary education and training preparation activities

Eligibility / Target Population

Out-of-School Youth (OSY)

An OSY is an individual who:

• Is not attending any school (per state law)
• Is 16–24 years old at enrollment
• Meets one or more of the following:
  1. School dropout
  2. Within compulsory school age but not attended school for the most recent school year calendar quarter
  3. Low-income high school diploma holder who is basic skills deficient or an English language learner
  4. Offender
  5. Homeless, runaway, or homeless youth
  6. In foster care or aged out, in out-of-home placement, or eligible under Sec. 477 of Social Security Act
  7. Pregnant or parenting
  8. Individual with a disability
  9. Low-income individual requiring additional assistance to complete education or secure employment

In-School Youth (ISY)

An ISY is an individual who:

• Is attending school (per state law, secondary or postsecondary)
• Is 14–21 years old (or older if disabled and attending school)
• Is low-income
• Meets one or more of the following:
  1. Basic skills deficient
  2. English language learner
  3. Offender
  4. Homeless or runaway
  5. In foster care or aged out, in out-of-home placement, or eligible under Sec. 477 of Social Security Act
  6. Pregnant or parenting
  7. Individual with a disability
  8. Requires additional assistance to complete education or secure employment

Program Priorities

• Out-of-School Youth (OSY): At least 75% of Youth funds must serve OSY (excluding administrative costs)
• Work Experience: At least 20% of Youth funds must support paid and unpaid work experiences
• Partnering: Co-enrollment encouraged with Titles II and IV

Funding / Allotments

Funds are allocated using a formula considering:

1. Number of unemployed in areas of substantial unemployment
2. Number of excess unemployed individuals
3. Number of economically disadvantaged youth

WIOA Youth Appropriation by Program Year:

• PY 2024: $948,130,000
• PY 2023: $948,130,000
• PY 2022: $933,130,000
• PY 2021: $921,130,000

Program Results (PY 2023)

• Youth participants served: 131,402
• Employment/education/training 2nd quarter after exit: 72.7%
• Employment/education/training 4th quarter after exit: 73.4%
• Median earnings (2nd quarter after exit): $4,839
• Credential attainment rate: 61.8%
• Measurable skill gains: 63.2%
• Effectiveness in serving employers (system-wide measure): tracked, not program-specific

I locate your nearest career center