The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Youth Program serves youth ages 14 to 21 who are economically disadvantaged and is one or more of the following:

• Deficient in basic literacy skills;
• A school dropout; 
• Homeless, a runaway, or a foster child; 
• Pregnant or a parent; 
• An offender; or
• An individual who requires additional assistance to complete an educational program, or to secure and hold employment.

The WIA Youth Program is intended to provide continual service with a range of program options emphasizing the long-term development of young people. Core program elements focus on the following: 

• Improving educational achievement, including elements such as tutoring, study skills training, and instruction leading to completion of secondary school, dropout prevention strategies, and alternative secondary school services; 
• Preparing for succeeding in employment, including summer employment opportunities directly linked to academic and occupational learning, paid and unpaid work experiences including job shadowing and internships, and occupational skills training;
• Supporting youth, including meeting supportive services needs and providing adult mentoring, follow-up services, and comprehensive guidance and counseling; and 
• Offering services intended to develop the potential of youth as citizens and leaders, including leadership development opportunities, which may include community service and peer-centered activities encouraging responsibility and other positive social behaviors during non-school hours as appropriate.

In addition to customer satisfaction, WIA Youth Program performance measures are based on the following:

For younger youth ages 14 to 18 

• Skill attainments, of all in-school and assessed out-of-school youth who need basic, work readiness or occupational skills; 
• Attainment of diploma or equivalent 
• Retention in post-secondary education, advanced training, employment, military service, or qualified apprenticeship

For older youth ages 19 to 21 

• Entered employment 
• Employment retention after six months 
• Earnings change in six months 
• Attainment of a credential