The Youth Council is the only committee that is mandated by the federal WIA legislation and therefore is a mandatory component of the Workforce Investment Board’s Committee structure. The Youth Council of the Central Ohio Workforce Investment Board develops and facilitates all of the in-school and out-of-school programs in Columbus and Franklin County that are funded by WIA dollars.

Mission
The mission of the Youth Council is to empower youth to develop life-long learning, earning, and serving skills, utilizing inter-generational support, community service and partnerships.

Vision
The Youth Council will support all Central Ohio youth in becoming the person they aspire to be through coordination of resources, workforce opportunities, and nurturing communities

The Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA) set the stage for the operation of a comprehensive workforce development system in every state of the nation. The act includes a service delivery strategy for three categories of participants: Adults, Dislocated Workers and Youth.

Within the youth category are two sub-categories, older youth 19-21, and younger youth 14 to 18. The Central Ohio Workforce Investment Board's Youth Council is dedicated to the mission and vision of serving and assisting youth.

Programs are operated through a collaboration, which includes the City of Columbus, Franklin County and the appointed Workforce Investment Board.

10 WIA Youth Program Elements

• Tutoring and Study skills training
  
  
• Alternative secondary school services
  
  
• Summer employment opportunities that are directly linked to academic and occupational learning
  
  
• Paid and unpaid work experiences
  
  
• Occupational skill training
  
  
• Leadership development
  
  
• Supportive services
  
  
• Adult mentoring during participation and afterwards
  
  
• Follow-up services-at least 12 months
  
  
• Comprehensive guidance and counseling

General Eligibility and Referral Process

General Eligibility:

• Citizen or Lawfully Admitted Non-Citizen
  
  
• Age 14 to 21

• Economically disadvantaged/low income
  
  
• Properly Registered for Selective Service if Male and 18 or older
  
  AND have one or more barriers such as:
  
  
• Deficient in Basic Literacy Skills
  
  
• School Dropout
  
  
• Homeless or Runaway
  
  
• Foster Child
  
  
• Pregnant or Parenting
  
  
• Offender
  
  
• Requires Additional Assistance to Complete an Educational Program or to Secure and Hold Employment or Has a Disability

Referral Process:

• Determine if the youth is In-School or Out-Of-School
  
  
• Contact an appropriate youth program provider from the list.
  
  
• Schedule an intake appointment for the youth
  
  
• The vendor will determine eligibility
  
  
• Enrollment is based on eligibility determination and availability of slots

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