Find out more information about Bay Area Workforce Development Board’s Youth and Young Adult Programming.
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
One of our funding sources is the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), which helps us create workforce development initiatives and programs. Thanks to this federal legislation, we help people access employment, training and supportive services to succeed in the workforce. Under WIOA, we also bring together business leaders and stakeholders to address industry workforce needs.
WIOA is designed to strengthen and improve our nation’s public workforce system and help get people – including those with significant barriers to employment – into high-quality careers and help employers hire and retain skilled workers.
Youth and Youth Adult Program
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Youth Program, funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, provides formula-funded grants to state and local communities to operate a comprehensive array of youth services that help eligible youth and young adults ages 14-30 seeking assistance in achieving academic and employment success.
Program participants receive services such as occupational skills training, counseling, internships, job placements, mentoring, tutoring, leadership development, and support services as described in WIOA’s: 14 Youth Program Elements. (Link to our Youth and Youth Adult Program Guide for more information.)
Services
The Youth and Young Adult programs can provide many different services to help you prepare for post-secondary training or enter the workforce, including:
Each local WDB must offer, or make available, all 14 program elements as part of its WIOA Youth Program.
- Tutoring, study skills training, instruction, and evidence-based dropout prevention and recovery strategies;
- Alternative secondary school services or high school dropout recovery services;
- Paid and unpaid work experience;
- Occupational skills training;
- Education offered concurrently with and in the same context as workforce preparation and training;
- Leadership development opportunities;
- Supportive services;
- Adult mentoring;
- Comprehensive guidance and counseling;
- Financial literacy education;
- Entrepreneurial skills training;
- Career Awareness, Career Exploration, and Career Counseling;
- Postsecondary preparation and transition activities; and
- Follow-up services.
For a more detailed description of what’s included in the 14 Youth Program Elements
What to Expect
We’ll meet one-on-one with you to determine your eligibility for WIOA programs. This means we may ask you for documents to verify your employment status, income, identity, identify any barriers you may have and your eligibility to work in the U.S. We’ll also work with you on assessments to determine what skills you have and what career pathway is right for you.
Whether you need help starting or planning a career, working toward a degree or certification, finding employees, or overcoming barriers we will work with you to develop an individualized service strategy, a customized plan, that identifies your needs and goals. Your Career Services Specialist with be right along side you every step of the way.
Independent Living Program
The Independent Living Program, through the Department of Children and Families – Bureau of Youth Services, is a federal program that assists young people who have aged out of the foster care system as they transition to adulthood. This program serves foster youth ages 18 up to the age of 23.
Services
Supportive Services
We can connect you to supportive services to help you adjust to living independently, including housing, transportation, childcare, necessities, apartment start-up kits, professional mentorships and community connections.
Education
Do you want to continue your education or obtain a certificate? We can connect you to high school completion programs, scholarships and funding for certifications, and books and school supplies. For more information on the Brighter Star Program
Career Assistance
If you’re ready to start a career, we can prepare you with career exploration, employment connections and leadership development opportunities.
Transitions to Success
Transitions to Success (TTS) is a collaboration of agencies that work with foster youth, youth who were formerly in out-of-home placement, and other disengaged youth and young adults from the ages of 14 up to 24 that reside in Brown, Oconto, or Kewaunee County. It is funded through a grant from Stand Together Foundation, Inc., a fund of the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation, and a grant from the Basic Needs Giving Partnership of the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation, including U.S. Venture Open Fund for Basic Needs, the J.J. Keller Foundation, and other community donors.
Primary Focus Areas
- Education – High School, Post-Secondary Training
- Job Readiness and Employment
- Connections to the Community
- Self-Sufficiency
Primary Partners
Contact Us
If you are interested in learning more about the WIOA Youth and Young Adult Program or Independent Living Program, contact the Career Services Specialist in your county.
For general information regarding the WIOA Youth and Young Adult Program, please contact Policy and Performance Manager, Cheryl Neuens. For more information on the Independent Living Program, contact Director of Impact and Operations Sarah Klapper.