WIOA Youth Programs Delaware Department of Labor Employment & Training Division

Purpose The purpose of the youth programs are to work with at risk youth who are facing serious barriers by providing training and other services that will result in credentials. Therefore increasing employment with educational and occupational skills, and decreasing welfare dependency, improving the quality of the workforce and enhancing its productivity and competitiveness.

Out of School Youth Eligibility Criteria Not attending any school Not younger than age 16 or older than 24, with at least 1 of the following barriers: Basic skills Deficient (tests at or below an 8 th grade level in math or reading) A school dropout 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 Subject to the juvenile or adult justice system A homeless individual, a homeless child or youth a runaway, in foster care or is aged out of the foster care system An individual who is pregnant or parenting A youth who is an individual with a disability A low-income individual who requires additional assistance to enter or complete an educational program or to secure or hold employment.

In School Youth Eligibility Criteria Attending school, but at risk of dropping out. Not younger than 14 nor older than age 21; Low income individual One or more of the following: Basic Skill Deficient An English Language Learner An offender A homeless individual, a homeless child or youth, a runaway, in foster care or is aged out of the foster care system, or in an out-of- home placement. Pregnant or parenting A youth who is an individual with a disability An individual who requires additional assistance to complete an educational program or to secure or hold employment.

Youth Programs Assess academic skills, interests, and aptitudes Develop Individual Service Strategies (ISS) Develop career pathways Provide activities leading to attainment of credentials either Diploma, GED, or Occupational Skills. Prepare students for employment Provide Guidance and Counseling, including drug and alcohol Provide paid and unpaid Work Experience (WEX) Provide summer opportunities Financial Literacy Education

Providers DOL has partnerships with providers statewide for both in and out of school programs: West End Neighborhood House – Out of School, New Castle County The Challenge Program – Out of School, New Castle County Delaware Skills – Out of School, New Castle County Red Clay Consolidated School District – In School, New Castle Pathways to Success – In School, Sussex County DTCC Owens – Out of School, Sussex County DTCC Terry Campus – Out of School, Kent County Jobs for Delaware Graduates – In School, Statewide