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Urban Development Department - Workforce Investment Act Division

Youth Services: Frequently Asked Questions
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Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
  1. What does WIA stand for?
  2. Am I eligible for the program?
  3. How much does the program cost?
  4. How is the program structured?
  5. How long may I be in the program?
  6. Do you encourage youth to drop out of school?
  7. Can you help me get my GED or get back into school?
  8. Do I go to school in your building?
  9. Will you pay my tuition?
  10. Can you pay for counseling?
  11. Can you help me get a drivers license?
  12. Will you find me a job?
  1. Q: What does WIA stand for?
    A: Workforce Investment Act. Please refer to the "What is WIA Youth?" page for more information.
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  2. Q: Am I eligible for the program?
    A: Youth Services are available to youth ages 14 - 21 years old who live in Lancaster or Saunders County. Additional eligibility criteria also apply:
    1. Be low income, demonstrated by:
      • A household income that falls below the Federal Poverty Guidelines based on your household size -or-
      • Receiving public assistance from Health and Human Service (ADC/TANF) -or-
      • Have an open food stamps case or have had one within the past 6 months -or-
      • Be eligible for food stamps -or-
      • Be ward of the state / foster child-or-
      • Have a diagnosed disability and have made less than $5,105 in the previous 6 months

    2. United States Citizen or authorized to work in the U.S.

    3. Have a secondary barrier to successful employment:
      • Dropped out of High School -or-
      • Documented Disability -or-
      • Pregnant -or-
      • Parenting -or-
      • Homeless or runaway -or-
      • Ward of the State / Foster Child -or-
      • Current or previous court involvement -or-
      • Math or Reading skills below an 8th grade level

    Your eligibility cannot be determined until you have completed the application process. You may apply on-line or in person.
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  3. Q: How much does the program cost?
    A: There is no fee for our services. It is a public service offered to those who qualify.
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  4. Q: How is the program structured?
    A: If you are determined eligible, you will be assigned to a specific WIA Case Manager. Your Case Manager will have you complete the assessment process and together you will set the goals you would like to achieve. Your Case Manager will work one-on-one with you throughout your participation in WIA to help you achieve those goals.
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  5. Q: How long may I be in the program?
    A: This varies with every participant. Some participants reach their goals in under a year; some take longer. You may stay in the program until your goals are reached.
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  6. Q: Do you encourage youth to drop out of school?
    A: No. We encourage you to remain in school or return to school if it is an option. One of our main goals is to help youth succeed in getting a high school diploma.
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  7. Q: Can you help me get my GED or get back into school?
    A: If you have dropped out of high school, we can help you get back into school or get your GED in partnership with Southeast Community College.
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  8. Q: Do I go to school in your building?
    A: No. We do not have a school. Many of the services we provide are in partnership with other agencies or run through public programs. We rely on the public school system for high school diploma attainment. For those who are trying to earn their GED, Southeast Community College is our primary partner.
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  9. Q: Will you pay my tuition?
    A: The answer is that it is possible for us to pay tuition. A yes or no answer will be determined after you are enrolled and after several variables, including scholarships and grants, are considered.
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  10. Q: Can you pay for counseling?
    A: Yes. We do our best to take a holistic approach when developing a plan to help you succeed. In many cases, going to counseling will help you feel better and improve your school and job performance.
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  11. Q: Can you help me get a drivers license?
    A: It is possible for us to help you get a driver’s license. However, you and your assigned case manager determine all goals and timelines.
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  12. Q: Will you find me a job?
    A: No. We will help you prepare to search for a job by teaching you the most effective ways to job search and helping you prepare the necessary materials.
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