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
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
Episode 81: Why Your Emotions Are Blocking Your Job Search Success
Your resume might not be the problem. In Episode 81 of The Workforce Link Podcast, we break down how anxiety and self-doubt quietly sabotage your job search and what you can do about it.
Missouri Workforce Update: February 2026 Jobs Data Shows Shifts Across Industries
Missouri lost 8,600 jobs in February 2026, while the unemployment rate remained steady at 3.9 percent, reflecting shifts across key industries.
Lebanon Job Center Supports Student Interviews at Lebanon High School
Lebanon Job Center staff worked with 45 Lebanon High School seniors on April 9 and 10, providing mock interviews and real-world guidance to help students prepare for employment and future career opportunities.
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.
Episode 81: Why Your Emotions Are Blocking Your Job Search Success
Your resume might not be the problem. In Episode 81 of The Workforce Link Podcast, we break down how anxiety and self-doubt quietly sabotage your job search and what you can do about it.