Out-of-School Youth Program

Under WIOA, an Out-of-School Youth is an individual who is:

(a) Not attending any school (as defined under State law);
(b) Not younger than 16 or older than age 24 at time of enrollment. Because age eligibility is based on age at enrollment, participants may continue to receive services beyond the age of 24 once they are enrolled in the program; and
(c) One or more of the following:

(1) A school dropout;
(2) A youth who is within the age of compulsory school attendance, but has not attended school for at least the most recent complete school year calendar quarter. School year calendar quarter is based on how a local school district defines its school year quarters;
(3) A recipient of a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent who is a low-income individual and is either basic skills deficient or an English language learner;
(4) An individual who is subject to the juvenile or adult justice system;
(5) A homeless individual, a runaway, an individual who is in foster care or has aged out of the foster care system, a child eligible for assistance under section 477 of the Social Security Act, or an individual who is in an out-of-home placement;
(6) An individual who is pregnant or parenting;
(7) An individual with a disability;
(8) A low-income individual who requires additional assistance to enter or complete an educational program or to secure or hold employment. (WIOA sections 3(46) and 129(a)(1)(B).)

WIOA In-school Eligibility Criteria

Under WIOA, an In-School Youth is an individual who is:

(a) Attending school;
(b) Not younger than 14 or older than 21 at the time of enrollment;
(c) Be low income (includes residing in a designated high poverty area), and
(d) Have one or more of the following barriers as provided in WIOA section 129(a)(1)(C)(iv):

(1) Basic skills deficient;
(2) An English language learner;
(3) An offender;
(4) A homeless youth or a runaway, in foster care or has aged out of the foster care system;
(5) Pregnant or parenting;
(6) A youth who is an individual with a disability;
(7) An individual who requires additional assistance to complete an educational program or to secure or hold employment.

                             Required 14 Program Elements Under WIOA

1. Tutoring, Study Skills and Dropout Prevention Strategies
2. Alternative Secondary School
3. Paid and Unpaid Work Experience (Career Exploration, Skill Building)
4. Occupational Skills Training
5. Leadership Development
6. Supportive Services
7. Adult Mentoring
8. Follow-up Services
9. Comprehensive guidance and counseling
10. Integrated education and training for a specific occupation or cluster
11. Financial Literacy Education
12. Entrepreneurial Skills Training
13. Services that provide Labor Market Information
14. Postsecondary preparation and transition activities