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 allocated 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 element.

Local programs provide youth services in partnership with American Job Centers and under the direction of local Workforce Development Boards.

Questions or comments should be sent to youth.services@dol.gov

WIOA Youth Program Guidance

Training and Employment Guidance Letter (TEGL) No. 09-22
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Title I Youth Formula Program Guidance

Training and Employment Guidance Letter (TEGL) No. 21-16
Third Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Title I Youth Formula Program Guidance

Training and Employment Guidance Letter (TEGL) No. 08-15
Second Title 1 WIOA Youth Program Transition Guidance

Training and Employment Guidance Letter (TEGL) No. 23-14
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Youth Program Transition