THE EMERGING WORKER SUB-COMMITTEE  
OF THE NEW YORK STATE 
WORKFORCE INVESTMENT BOARD (WIB)

To ensure that all New York's youth, under age 21, are better prepared for employment and careers in New York State by:

• Enabling them to meet New York State's education/learning standards;
• Providing them with the work skills, life skills and supports necessary to succeed in New York's job market; and
• Exposing them to a greater array of potential career opportunities, including current demand occupations.

 FEDERAL WORKFORCE INVESTMENT ACT (WIA)

 KEY FEATURES GOVERNING YOUTH AND EMERGING WORKERS

• WIA Title I authorizes three funding streams: adults, dislocated workers, and youth. Eighty-five percent of adult and youth funds must be allocated to local workforce investment areas; the remainder will be reserved for statewide activities.
• In New York State, approximately $300 million is allocated to local workforce investment areas.

• Funds must serve youth, age 14 and older, who meet eligibility requirements.
• At least 30% of each local workforce investment area's youth expenditures must serve out-of-school youth.
• Youth councils are required for each Local Workforce Investment Board. They advise the local boards on the provision of youth services in the local area and identification of service providers.

• Provide expertise in youth policy and assist the Local Workforce Investment Board in developing and recommending local youth employment and training policy and practice.
• Broaden the youth employment training focus in the community to incorporate a youth-development perspective.
• Connect with other youth service organizations in the local area.

WIA ELIGIBLE YOUTH

• Age 14-21 (Older youth--age 19-21--can be served in either the WIA youth or adult systems)
• Low income individual and
• Meets one or more of the following:
• Deficient in basic literacy skills
• A school drop-out
• Homeless, a runaway, or a foster child
• Pregnant or a parent
• An offender
• Requires additional assistance to complete an educational program, or to secure and hold employment

• Defined as a WIA-eligible youth who is a school drop-out; OR
• Is a WIA-eligible youth who has either graduated from high school or holds a GED but is basic skills deficient, unemployed, or underemployed.

• All eligible youth must be provided:
• Information on the full array of services available through the WIB, eligible providers, or One-Stop partners, and
• Referral to appropriate training and educational programs.

• Youth services at the local level must be competitively procured.

1. Objective assessment of the academic levels, skill levels, and service needs of each participant;
2. Service strategies for each participant that shall identify an employment goal, appropriate achievement objectives, and appropriate services; and
3. Preparation for postsecondary educational opportunities; strong linkages between academic and occupational learning; preparation for unsubsidized employment opportunities; and effective connections to intermediaries with strong links to the job market and local and regional employers.

1. Tutoring, study skill training, and instruction leading to completion of secondary school, including dropout prevention strategies.
2. Alternative secondary school services.
3. Summer employment opportunities directly linked to academic and occupational learning.
4. Paid/unpaid work experiences.
5. Occupational skill training.
6. Leadership development opportunities.
7. Supportive services
8. Adult mentoring for not less than 12 months.
9. Follow-up services for not less than 12 months.
10. Comprehensive guidance and counseling.