Local Area 2
Workforce Investment Act
Youth Program

Youth services under the Workforce Investment Act are designed to provide:

• Assistance in achieving academic and employment success;

• Effective comprehensive activities to improve educational and skill competencies and to develop effective connections to employers;

• Opportunities for training;

• Ongoing mentoring opportunities with adults;

• Supportive services;

• Incentives for recognition and achievement; and

• Activities related to leadership development, decision making, citizenship, and community service

The Local Area 2 Youth Program provides services to low-income youth ages 14-21 who are having problems completing high school or finding employment. These services, which are available through youth providers to youth that are in-school and out-of-school in each of the 10 counties, include:

1. Occupational skills training;
2. Tutoring and study skills training;
3. Alternative secondary school services;
4. Paid and unpaid work experiences;
5. Summer employment opportunities
6. Adult Mentoring;
7. Leadership development;
8. Comprehensive guidance and counseling;
9. Supportive services, as determined by the policies of the Local Workforce Investment Board
10. Follow-up services for not less than 12 months after the completion of participation.

The driving idea behind the program is to ensure that young people finish high school or earn a GED and start life with the skills needed to be successful in the workforce. Any of the 10 elements may be used to improve educational or occupational skills:

WIA youth participants must be low-income and one or more of the following:

• Deficient in basic literacy skills (defined as reading, writing, or computing math at a level at or below the eighth grade level based on results of a standardized testing instrument)
• A school dropout or
• Unemployed or
• Underemployed

The WIA program partners with local employers to provide work experience, occupational skills training and summer employment. Youth case managers work with other agencies to ensure services like mentoring, career testing, tutoring and study skills are provided, including complete guidance and counseling.

Students are often referred by social service agencies, including the local school system and the courts. A referral, though, isn't necessary. Young people or their parents or guardians can learn more by calling their county youth provider or:

B.J. Lowe, Coordinator of Youth Programs
Center for Workforce Development
Walters State Community College
(423) 318-2708
FAX (423) 585-6769
barbara.lowe@ws.edu