Youth
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Youth Program offers a wide range of services to assist youth with barriers. It assists youth to prepare and develop for post-secondary education, attain educational and/or skills training credentials and help secure employment with career opportunities.
Program Services
Program services are provided in all 10 of our parishes located in Northwest Louisiana, LWDA 70, with a priority of funding focused on out-of-school youth. Out of School youth must between the ages of 17-24, who are eligible to work in the U.S. and have one of the following barriers:
• Individual with a disability;
• School Dropouts;
• Not attended school for at least the most recent complete school year calendar
quarter;
• A high school graduate who is basic skills deficient;
• A high school graduate who is low-income and either English-language learner or
basic skills deficient;
• An offender (juvenile who is or has been subject to any stage of the criminal justice
process);
• A homeless Youth or runaway Youth;
• In foster-care facility or has aged out of foster care
• Pregnant or Parenting
• Disabled, or
• A low-income individual who requires additional assistance to complete an
educational program or to secure and hold employment;
Youth are connected with the full range of services, including tailored internships and jobs with a prioritization of career pathways, work experience, and industry-recognized degrees and certificates.
Each participant undergoes a comprehensive assessment to review:
• Skills
• Interests, strengths, and aptitudes
• Support needs
Then they work with a success coach to identify a career goal,
service plan, and outcome related to education and employment.
Services include:
• Tutoring, study skills training and instruction leading to secondary school
completion;
• Alternative secondary school offerings;
• Summer employment opportunities directly linked to academic and occupational
training;
• Paid and unpaid work experiences, including internships and job shadowing;
• Occupational skill training;
• Leadership development opportunities;
• Supportive services;
• Adult mentoring;
• Follow-up services; and
• Comprehensive guidance and counseling.
Contact Us!
To learn more about the WIOA Youth Program
contact our Youth Division directly.