WIA Title I Youth Program

A foundation for future success

Goodwill operates the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Title I Youth programs for multiple Workforce Investment Boards in Virginia. The program is designed to provide training, employment, and educational opportunities to eligible, in and out of school, youth ages 14 to 21.

Youth eligibility

Eligible youth must be low income and face one or more of the following challenges to successful workforce entry:

Basic skills deficient
Foster child
School dropout
Pregnant or parent
Homeless or runaway
Offender
Need help completing an educational program or securing and holding a job.

Program highlights

The WIA Title I Youth program will help youth be prepared for post secondary educational opportunities or employment. Key components of the program are:

Dropout prevention
Study skills training
Summer work experience
Adult mentoring
Alternative school services
Follow-up services
Leadership development
Basic education
Occupational skills training
Tutoring
Paid and unpaid work experience
Comprehensive guidance counseling

For more information on the WIA Title I Youth Program, e-mail wfd@goodwillvalleys.com or call (540) 581.0620 option 5.

Kati Johnson, like many kids her age, did not know what her future would hold. From a single parent, low income household she didn’t see many opportunities. Then in July of 2006, the summer of her freshman year, Kati enrolled in the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Title I Youth Program.
Throughout her next three years of high school Kati participated in two summer leadership camps, and benefited from a variety of work experiences. In September of 2008, the start of her senior year, Kati began a work experience as the Youth Liaison for the Workforce Center in Roanoke, which Goodwill operates.
As the center’s Youth Liaison, Kati provided outreach to teens, explaining the opportunities available through the Goodwill program she herself was benefiting from.
Three years after entering the program Katie is confident, motivated, and is focused on her future. In August of 2009 Kati entered Hollins University, with a full scholarship. A double major in Sociology and French, Kati hopes to continue the service to her community that she began while at Goodwill, by pursuing a career in Social work.