Youth Program

By preparing eligible youth for unsubsidized employment opportunities, placement in post-secondary education and training, and connections to employers for work in priority industries, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Youth program enhances West Virginia’s workforce’s productivity and competitiveness.

The WIOA Youth Program incorporates activities that:

•  Supports high school completion.
•  Lays the groundwork for post-secondary instruction.
•  Fosters the development/improvement of occupational skills.
•  Helps to improve employ-ability skills.
•  Helps to develop/improve social skills.
•  Provide supportive services.

Basic Program Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for WIOA Title I Youth Program an individual must be:

• Between the ages of 14 and 24 at the time of enrollment.
• Low-income (only for in-school youth and high school students).
• Meet selective services requirements 18 years or older.
• A U.S. Citizen or Registered Alien.
• Experiencing at least one of the WIOA Youth defined barriers to education or employment.

For more detailed eligibility information, access the WIOA Youth Eligibility Policy.

Youth Program Elements 

• Tutoring, study skills training, instruction, and dropout prevention.
• Alternative secondary school services or dropout recovery services.
• Paid and unpaid work experience.
• Occupational skills training.
• Education offered concurrently with workforce preparation and training for a specific occupation.
• Leadership development opportunities.
• Supportive services.
• Adult mentoring.
• Follow-up services.
• Comprehensive guidance and counseling.
• Financial literacy education.
• Entrepreneurial skills training.
• Services that provide labor market information.
• Postsecondary preparation and transition activities. 

To learn more about the Youth Program, contact the nearest WV American Job Centers (AJC). 

FAQ