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Connecting Employers & Job Seekers to a brighter tomorrow!

WIOA Youth Program

Multiple opportunities available. Now serving clients ages 14-24. Free assistance to those who qualify.

WIOA Youth Program Details

Unlocking Potential for Ages 14-24

The WIOA Youth Program is a transformative initiative aimed at empowering young individuals through tailored support and resources. We cater to both In-School and Out-of-School youth, providing them with the tools needed to succeed. In-School youth, aged 14-21, can benefit from our comprehensive support services that include tutoring, skills training, and leadership development. For Out-of-School youth, aged 16-24, we offer work experience opportunities, occupational skills training, and guidance to overcome any barriers to education and employment. Our goal is to foster a sense of responsibility and self-sufficiency, preparing youth for a successful future.

Interested Youth

Interested Employers

WIOA Youth Program has two categories: In-School and Out-of-School

Barriers and Solutions

High School Dropout

Our program offers alternative education pathways and dropout recovery services to help youth complete their education.

Basic Skills Deficient

We provide tutoring and skills training to improve academic performance and prepare for future challenges.

Pregnant or Parenting

Support services are available to assist young parents in balancing education and family responsibilities.

Homeless or Runaway

We offer guidance and resources to secure stable housing and support for continued education.

Receiving TANF or SNAP

Additional support services designed to help young people achieve their educational and career goals.

In or Aged out of Foster Care

Our program provides mentoring and support to foster youth transitioning to independence.

Justice-Involved

We assist with reintegration into society through education and employment opportunities.

Documented Disability

Customized support and resources are available to accommodate and empower youth with disabilities.

English Language Learner

Language support services are offered to improve communication skills and educational outcomes.

Low Income

Comprehensive support and resources for low-income families to help them secure stable housing, access essential services, and improve their overall quality of life.

We Want to Help YOU Succeed!

Discover how our programs can transform your career path. 

For More Information, Call or Visit Your Local Job Center

Empowering Employers with Youth Talent

At Central Workforce Development Region, we connect businesses with motivated young individuals eager to contribute to your success. Our program streamlines the hiring process by matching employers with youth candidates who are ready to learn and grow. By participating, you gain access to a pool of talented individuals, while we handle the logistics, including covering wages and providing necessary training. This partnership not only enhances your workforce but also supports the development of future leaders in our community.

Removing Your Barriers to Productivity

For More Information, Call or Visit Your Local Job Center

Guiding Youth to Career Success

Our Career Managers are dedicated to helping youth overcome challenges and find fulfilling career paths. Here’s how we do it:

1

Initial Consultation

We begin with a personalized meeting to understand each client’s unique goals and barriers to employment.

2

Customized Career Plan

Our team develops a tailored plan that addresses specific needs and outlines steps to achieve career objectives.

3

Ongoing Support

We provide continuous guidance and resources, ensuring clients stay on track and succeed in their chosen career paths.

What is WIOA?

WIOA Youth is a federally funded initiative designed to empower and prepare young individuals for today’s dynamic workforce. Catering to those aged 14-24, the program addresses a range of challenges that can impede success. Its goal is to equip our youth—the leaders of tomorrow—with the tools they need to overcome obstacles, fostering a sense of responsibility, accountability, and self-sufficiency.

Training Opportunities with WIOA Youth

Comprehensive Skill Development

Our program offers a variety of training sessions, including occupational skills training and leadership development, to equip youth with essential skills for the workforce.

Work Experience Programs

Participants gain hands-on experience through structured work placements, enhancing their employability and career readiness.

Educational Support

We provide tutoring and study skills training to help youth achieve educational milestones and prepare for further education.

Supportive Services

Qualified youth can access financial assistance and counseling services, ensuring they have the support needed to succeed.

Empower Your Future Today

Ready to take the next step in your career journey? Connect with your local job center to explore opportunities and resources tailored to your needs. Our team is here to support you every step of the way.

Explore Our Training Opportunities

Tutoring, Study Skills Training, Instruction, and Dropout Prevention

Activities that lead to completion of a high school diploma or recognized equivalent

Alternative Secondary School and Dropout Recovery Services

Assist youth who have struggled in traditional secondary education or who have dropped out of school.

Paid & Unpaid Work Experience

Is a structured learning experience in a workplace and provides opportunities for career exploration and skill development. 

Occupational Skills Training

Is an organized program of study that provides specific skills and leads to proficiency in an occupational field. 

Education Offered Concurrently with Workforce Preparation

Is an integrated education and training model combining workforce preparation, basic academic skills, and occupational skills.

Leadership Development Opportunities

Encourage responsibility, confidence, employability, self-determination, and other positive social behaviors.

Supportive Services

If qualified, various financial assistance services may be available, such as clothing and hygiene assistance, rental assistance, and more. Please note that no services are guaranteed. 

Adult Mentoring

Is a formal relationship between a youth and an adult mentor with structured activities where the mentor offers guidance, support, and encouragement.

Follow-Up Services

Are provided following program exit to help ensure youth succeed in employment or education.

Comprehensive Guidance and Counseling

Provides individualized counseling to participants, including drug/alcohol and mental health counseling.

Financial Literacy Education

Provides youth with the knowledge and skills they need to achieve long-term financial stability.

Entrepreneurial Skills Training

Provides the basics of starting and operating a small business and develops entrepreneurial skills.

Services that Provide Labor Market Information

Offer employment and labor market information about in-demand industry sectors or occupations.

Postsecondary Preparation and Transition Activities

Help youth prepare for and transition to postsecondary education and training.

Central Region News

High School Student Balances Leadership, Learning, and Work (Katie’s Success Story)

High school student Katie Carpenter builds confidence and career skills through a youth work experience program in St. James, Missouri.

Missouri Sees Slight Job Loss and Unemployment Uptick in April 2025

Missouri lost 6,600 jobs in April 2025, with unemployment ticking up to 3.9%. See what’s driving the changes across industries.

Building the Future of Early Childhood Education in Callaway County

A new youth apprenticeship program in Callaway County is training high school students for early education careers through hands-on experience and community support.

Supporting the Class of 2025 Into the Workforce

Discover how Missouri Job Centers help new graduates transition from school to career—featuring Dylan Green’s journey from student to master welder.

From Army MP to Federal Detective: Taylor Cortez’s Civilian Career Takeoff

Army veteran Taylor Cortez transitions from military police to federal detective with JVSG support and a clear career goal in forensics.

Honoring Wayne Houtman for a Dedicated Career of Service in the Central Region 

After 17 years of service, Wayne Houtman retires from DHEWD, leaving a lasting impact on Veterans and workforce development in Missouri.

Missouri’s March 2025 Jobs Report: Employment Growth Continues Despite Slight Uptick in Unemployment

Missouri added 13,900 jobs in March 2025. See which industries grew, how unemployment shifted, and what it means for job seekers and employers.

MDHEWD Launches Free Courses to Help Missourians Find and Prepare for Jobs, Build Personal Finance Skills

Free Coursera courses from MDHEWD help Missourians build job readiness and financial skills with flexible, self-paced learning.

Madison Knierim Becomes an LPN with Help from the Good Jobs Challenge Grant

Discover how Madison Knierim became an LPN with support from Missouri’s Good Jobs Challenge Grant and achieved her nursing career goals.

MDHEWD Highlights Free Resources for Students and Job Seekers in Honor of Financial Literacy Month

Celebrate Financial Literacy Month with MDHEWD’s free tools to help Missourians budget, plan, and succeed in education and career goals.

Tune into the podcast

The Workforce Link Podcast with Sundi Jo Graham

The Workforce Link Podcast offers forward thinking conversations for the workforce, linking employers and job seekers to a brighter tomorrow. 

Hosted by Sundi Jo Graham from the Central Workforce Development Board, The Workforce Link covers job searching, resume and interview tips, leadership, personal development, and features interviews with industry leaders from the private and public sectors.

1107 Kingshighway, Rolla, MO 65401

(573) 426-6030

In accordance with 29 CFR 38.9 (g)(3), Limited English Proficient (LEP) individuals will receive language assistance in all communications of vital information.

l

EO Officer - Korin Thurman

Click here to contact.

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