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Youth Services
The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Youth Program provides assistance to young adults ages 14 to 21 with employment-related training and other services in order to achieve future career success. Youth services include a core set of employment and training programs for economically disadvantaged and at-risk youth. SWWDB can help a young person who is:
- A high school dropout by providing alternative education.
- A graduate seeking to enter the job market by offering occupational skill training.
- A current job holder through short-term career pathway and job-related computer skills classes.
To qualify for participation, a person must meet the general eligibility requirements of:
- Between the ages of 14-21
- A U.S. citizen or registered alien
- A resident of a low-income household
AND, have at least one of the following barriers to employment:
- Deficient in basic literacy skills
- A school dropout
- Homeless, a runaway, or a foster child
- Pregnant or a parent
- An offender
- Deficient in employability skills
Services Available
- Tutoring and study skills training
- Alternative schools services: diploma or GED
- Paid and unpaid work experiences, including internships and job shadowing
- Work-related skills training
- Summer employment opportunities
- Leadership development
- Supportive services
- Adult mentoring
- Follow-up services
- Guidance and counseling for:
- Drugs
- Alcohol
- Mental Health
- Other
If a young person meets the eligibility requirements outlined, he/she may be eligible to participate in the WIA Youth Program. For more information contact your local Job Center (NOTE: links to page with Job Center information).
Youth Council
The SWWDB Youth Council was formulated to identify and improve educational and employment opportunities for youth (ages 14-21) so that they may attain the skills needed to complete educational and career goals and successfully enter the workplace. The Youth Council includes representatives from youth service agencies, educational entities, members of the SWWDB, and other individuals as appointed.
Specific goals of the Youth Council include:
- Improve coordination among programs and youth-serving organizations
- Conduct strategic planning for youth programs
- Identify eligible providers for youth services
- Conduct oversight of youth programs