Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Youth Program: Bridges to the Future

At a Glance

Purpose:         

• To provide eligible at risk in-school youth and out-of-school youth with the academic and career readiness preparation that is necessary to compete in the local job market.

Design:           

• Intensive case management and services are provided at 7 CareerLink locations.

• Operated by a consortium of Central Susquehanna Opportunities, Inc (CSO), the Tuscarora Intermediate Unit (TIU), and STEP, Inc

Status:            

•  The WIA Youth Program is an on-going opportunity for at-risk youth in the region

Contact:          

• Gale Zalar, Central Region WIA Youth Director, 570.644.6575

• Kate Lomax, CPWDC Youth Council Coordinator, 570.522.0600

 Overview

The program provides eligible In-School Youth (ISY) and Out-of-School Youth (OSY) with career and academic preparation necessary to compete in the job market.

The Youth Program elements are designed to be leveraged (where appropriate) with other youth-serving community organizations such as school districts, postsecondary institutions and social service agencies.

Youth program services and staff are housed in each PA CareerLink.

Eligible youth generally:

• Are ages 14 to 21,

• Live in a low income household with parents or independently,

• and possess a barrier to employment (disability, basic skills deficient, school dropout, foster child, pregnant/parenting, offender, requires additional assistance to obtain and maintain employment)

WIA Youth Programs offer the following elements:

• Intensive case management

• Work experience

• Career exploration and readiness

• Follow-up and job retention (assist in keeping the job)

• Educational supports (tutoring/study skills, GED, postsecondary education, technical and occupational training)

• Leadership opportunities

• Mentoring

• Licensed Guidance and Counseling

• Supportive Services

State and Federal Performance Measures (referred to as Common Measures):

• Placement in Employment or Education

• Attainment of a Degree of Certificate

• Literacy and Numeracy Gains

 From July 2006 through June 2007:

• 456 total in-school and out-of-school youth were served

• 348 youth were placed in employment, postsecondary education, or received a credential or GED