Overview
Historical Overview of Youth Programs in the Workforce Investment Act (WIA)
The Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA) was designed to foster the development of a national workforce preparation and employment system. Recognizing that education, training, and career development are critical to the success of vulnerable youth as they enter the labor force, WIA offers a funding stream designed for management of services at the local level, where partnerships between employers and potential employees are most easily established. Funding provided by WIA Title I functions as a portion of a larger youth services system that supports youth in the community while also building economic self-sufficiency. Objectives of the Act include:
- Movement away from one-time, short-term interventions and toward a more coordinated system of services within the community.
- The creation of connections among youth and businesses, community organizations, social service providers, and education and training providers in the community.
- Promotion of a variety of youth-centered activities which can include skills training programs, summer internship opportunities, community service projects and other activities which support employment readiness, improvement of basic skills, and leadership development.
- A focus on youth and community development as well as opportunities for supporting local business labor force needs.
- Youth-friendly programming that includes work experiences, leadership opportunities, peer networking, social events, mentoring, and other support services.
WIA Youth Programs in Massachusetts
Youth Pathways coordinates the youth components of the federal Workforce Investment Act (WIA) in the form of technical assistance, policy support, best practices documentation and training throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ workforce system. These services are designed to address the needs of workforce investment boards and youth councils who work to build stronger service networks for youth facing multiple barriers to employment and education.
