The U.S. Department of Labor recently released guidance for states, local areas, and youth service providers for implementing the new Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). WIOA is replacing the Workforce Investment Act as the policy backbone of our workforce system. One of WIOA’s most significant shifts for young people is a markedly increased focus on out-of-school youth. WIOA programs will be expected to spend at least 75% of funds on that population. Another major change that affects youth is that WIOA programs must spend at least 20% of funds for youth work experiences, including youth summer and year-round employment opportunities. READ MORE…
