Youth

Workforce boards in each of the 10 LWDAs design programs to prepare eligible youth who face significant barriers to success, to either enter post-secondary education, training or employment upon completion of their secondary education. In-school youth programs (ISY) serve youth ages 14-21. Out-of-school youth (OSY) programs serve youth ages 16-24. 

WIOA youth programs are operated on a year-round basis.Program elements consist of:

1. Tutoring, study skills training, instruction and evidenced-based dropout prevention and recovery strategies that lead to completion of the requirements for a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent (including a recognized certificate of attendance or similar document for individuals with disabilities) or for a recognized postsecondary credential;

2. Alternative secondary school services or dropout recovery services, as appropriate;

3. Paid and unpaid work experiences that have academic and occupational education as a component of the work experience, which may include the following types of work experiences:

• summer employment opportunities and other employment opportunities available throughout the school year;
  
• pre-apprenticeship programs;
  
• internships and job shadowing; and
  
• on-the-job training opportunities;
  

4. Occupational skill training, which includes priority consideration for training programs that lead to recognized postsecondary credentials that align with in-demand industry sectors or occupations in the local area involved, if the local board determines that the programs meet the quality criteria described in WIOA sec. 123;

5. Education offered concurrently with and in the same context as workforce preparation activities and training for a specific occupation or occupational cluster;

6. Leadership development opportunities, including community service and peer-centered activities encouraging responsibility and other positive social and civic behaviors;

7. Supportive services, including the services listed in NPRM § 681.570;

8. Adult mentoring for a duration of at least 12 months, that may occur both during and after program participation;

9. Follow-up services for not less than 12 months after the completion of participation, as provided in NPRM § 681.580;

10. Comprehensive guidance and counseling, which may include drug and alcohol abuse counseling, as well as referrals to counseling, as appropriate to the needs of the individual youth;

11. Financial literacy education;

12. Entrepreneurial skills training;

13. Services that provide labor market and employment information about in-demand industry sectors or occupations available in the local area, such as career awareness, career counseling, and career exploration services; and

14. Activities that help youth prepare for and transition to postsecondary education and training.

Eligibility

In-school youth individuals are:

• attending school (as defined by State law); 
  
• not younger than age 14 or (unless an individual with a disability who is attending school under State law) older than age 21;
  
• a low-income individual; and
  
• one or more of the following:
  

1. basic skills deficient;
   
2. English language learner;
   
3. offender;
   
4. homeless, runaway or in foster care or has aged out of the foster care system youth, a child eligible for assistance under section 477 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 677), or in an out of- home placement;
   
5. pregnant or parenting;
   
6. youth who is an individual with a disability;
   
7. individual who requires additional assistance to complete an educational program or to secure or hold employment.
   

Out-of-school youth individuals are:

• not attending any school (as defined under state law)
  
• not younger than age 16 or older than age 24; and 
  
• one or more of the following [barriers]:
  

1. school dropout;
   
2. 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;
   
3. recipient of a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent who is a low-income individual and is-
   
4. basic skills deficient; or
   
5. English language learner;
   
6. individual who is subject to the juvenile or adult justice system;
   
7. homeless, runaway or in foster care or has aged out of the foster care system youth, a child eligible for assistance under section 477 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 677), or in an out of home placement;
   
8. pregnant or parenting;
   
9. youth who is an individual with a disability;
   
10. low-income individual who requires additional assistance to enter or complete an educational program or to secure or hold employment. 
    

For more information about the WIOA Youth Program, contact a designated youth career planner in your area. WIOA Youth Career Planners Map​

You may also contact any Kentucky Career Center office​.​​

Education

Are you in high school and trying to figure out what to do with your life? Check out Career and Technical Education for videos and a lot more information about technical education and career options. 

Planning for college is just a click away at Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority, which provides information about preparing, planning and completing higher education before transition into a career.

A college education is essential to get a good job, to learn new skills that lead to promotions and to ensure a good salary. A Kentucky Community and Technical College​ education will prepare students to take the next step toward a bright future whether that means a new job or continuing education at a four-year college.