The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Youth program offers a comprehensive array of services to assist youth with barriers to employment prepare for post-secondary education and employment opportunities, attain educational and/or skills training credentials and secure employment with career opportunities.
Program services are provided in all 12 Local Workforce Development Areas (LWDAs), with a priority of funding focused on out-of-school youth.
Out-of-school youth are individuals aged 16-24, who are not attending school and have barriers to employment. In-school youth are individuals aged 14-21, attending school, who are low income and have barriers to employment.
Barriers to employment may include:
• Homelessness/runaway.
• Not attending or having dropped out of secondary school.
• Having a disability.
• Involvement with the foster care system.
• In an out-of-home placement.
• Graduate who is low income and lacking basic skills or an English language learner.
• Current or prior involvement with the criminal justice system.
• Pregnant or parenting.
Eligibility and services for the WIOA Youth Program are delivered within LWDAs. To learn more about the program, visit your local SC Works Center or contact a youth program provider directly. Local youth provider contacts and primary youth program service locations can be found here.
Youth Services may include, but are not limited to:
- Completion of a High School Diploma or Equivalent.
- Postsecondary Education and Training.
- Apprenticeships.
- Paid/Unpaid Work Experience.
- Career Counseling.
- Leadership Development Activities.
- Financial Literacy Education.
- Supportive Services.