Programs for Youth Who Face Barriers – to Education, Employment, & Training
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA):
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) of 2014 enacted a comprehensive youth employment program for serving eligible youth, ages 14-24, who face barriers to education, training, and employment. Funds for youth services are allocates to states and local areas based on a formula. The WIOA Youth Program focuses primarily on out-of-school youth, requiring local areas to expend a minimum of 75% of WIOA youth funds on them. The program includes 14 program elements that are required to be made available to youth participants. WIOA prioritizes work experience through a 20% minimum expenditure rate for the work experience program elements.
To Learn More About The WIOA Youth Program, Click Here.
The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development’s MassHire Department of Career Services provides oversight of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Youth Program. The WIOA Youth Program is federally funded. The MassHire Department of Career Services allocates WIOA Title I Youth funds to Massachusetts’ 16 workforce areas based on procedures defined by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.
WIOA eligible youth have access to the following 14 program service elements:
1. Tutoring, Study Skills Training, Instruction, and Dropout Prevention
2. Alternative Secondary School and Dropout Recovery
3. Paid and Unpaid Work Experience
4. Occupational Skills Training
5. Education Offered Concurrently with Workforce Preparation
6. Leadership Development Opportunities
7. Supportive Services
8. Adult Mentoring
9. Follow-Up Services
10. Comprehensive Guidance and Counseling
11. Financial Literacy Education
12. Entrepreneurial Skills Training
13. Services that Provide Labor Market Information
14. Postsecondary Preparation and Transition Activities
More Than Words:
More Than Words is a nonprofit social enterprise dedicated to empowering youth involved in various systems to take control of their lives by managing a business.
More Than Words is dedicated to empowering youth aged 16-21 who are in the foster care system, court-involved, homeless, or out-of-school. Their approach helps these young people take control of their lives by managing a business. The MTW model is based on the belief that a real job – offering hands-on, practical training along with high expectations, and personal development opportunities – is the most effective way to equip youth with the marketable skills needed for success in education, employment, and life. What started in 2004 with a collection of books by the roadside has evolved into a successful business with a well-defined model, a theory of change, and a proven record of achieving both social impact and business success.
More Than Words supports youth aged 16-24 who are in the foster care system, court-involved, homeless, out-of-school, parenting, or engaged with the Department of Mental Health. At More Than Words these young individuals earn a position on MTW’s team, helping to manage a thriving $4M business. They have opportunities for advancement, set and achieve personal goals, advocate for their rights, and acquire skills that prepare them for success in any career they pursue.
Opportunities Readiness: Youth begin with thorough assessments and receive 4-12 weeks of intensive support services to address immediate needs. They monitor progress across nine readiness areas, such as food access, transportation, and housing, to prepare them for job training.
Business Job: Young people work approximately 20 hours per week managing their books, clothing, and online social enterprise ventures. They lead shifts, gain valuable work experience and build self-efficacy.
YOU Job: Youth engage in intensive case management to set and reach goals for their education, career, and personal life. MTW’s curriculum supports them in achieving milestones along with their self-directed career path.
Career Services: Young people receive over 2 years of regular check-ins, job search assistance, and career coaching. Through Bridge Contracts, they cover living expenses while young people pursue training to secure a career with a livable wage.
To Learn More About More Than Words, Click Here.