The U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration administers the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Youth Activities program (CFDA 17.259), a federal formula grant that provides approximately $948 million annually to support comprehensive workforce development services for low-income youth aged 14-24 with barriers to employment. The grant funds are projected to deliver career services, training, and support to over 12,000 youth across the state of Illinois, with the goal of helping participants acquire the education, skills, and credentials needed to achieve academic and employment success.
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is the primary recipient of the WIOA Youth Activities grant and sub-awards the funds to local workforce development boards, community organizations, educational institutions, and county/municipal government entities to implement youth services at the community level. Sub-awardees provide an array of WIOA-eligible activities, including tutoring, paid and unpaid work experiences, occupational skills training, leadership development, supportive services, and follow-up assistance. These services are intended to facilitate successful transitions for youth into careers and productive adulthood.
Generated 1/28/25, 7:13 AM