State of Alaska > DOLWD > Business Partnerships

Title 1B Youth Programs

FY09 Youth Grants (PDF)
Youth in Transition Fact Sheet (PDF)

Background:
The Workforce Investment Act Title IB programs provide funding for services targeting eligible Adults, Dislocated Workers and Youth, as well as Rapid Response for Dislocated Workers and 15% Statewide Activities Grant Funding. Services are provided by job training staff in Job Centers throughout the State, and through grants allocated to employers and training venders through a competitive bid process. Youth Services are provided primarily through grants allocated to both private and public entities throughout the state. A special emphasis has been placed on youth services through federal mandates, statewide initiatives and regional services.

Activities:
Activities are provided through grants administered through the Division of Business Partnerships. Youth Activities at a minimum include:

• Determination of eligibility of youth to receive services under program.
• Provide an assessment of each participant that includes a review of the academic and occupational skill levels, as well as the service needs.
• Develop an individual service strategy (ISS) for each youth participant that includes identifying an age-appropriate career goal and consideration of the assessment of each youth
• Provide a menu of services derived from the ten required elements of the program including:
  • Tutoring, study skills training, and instruction leading to high school completion, including dropout prevention strategies
  • Alternative high school services
  • Summer Youth Employment and Training with direct links between academic and occupational learning
  • Paid and unpaid work experiences, including internships and job shadowing
  • Occupational skills training
  • Leadership development opportunities
  • Supportive services
  • Adult mentoring
  • Follow-up services for 12 months after program completion
  • Comprehensive guidance and counseling, which may include drug and alcohol abuse and counseling and referrals

Priorities and Desired Results:

• To Provide A Comprehensive System For Youth To Prepare For The Alaskan Workforce And Citizenry
• Academic Excellence - all youth are engaged in the learning of the classroom
• Career Preparation - all youth are engaged in the learning of the workplace and community
• Youth Development and Support - all youth are connected to caring adults and safe environments
• Comprehensive System - a formal network provides the foundation for a coordinated system
• Youth Leadership - youth are visible and active in leadership roles

Younger Youth Priorities (Ages 14-18)

• To build the level of basic skills necessary to successfully complete secondary education and future postsecondary opportunities
• To develop basic work maturity skills including communication and problem solving skills, creating an understanding of the world of work and developing appropriate universal work habits
• To provide work experiences that broaden the options for vocational exploration which allows youth to practice the skills necessary to be a successful worker without significant risk of resources in a specific career direction

Older Youth Priorities (Ages 19-21)

• To build the level of basic skills necessary to successfully complete secondary education and future postsecondary opportunities
• To provide vocational counseling regarding the world of work, use of judgment and decision making skills
• To provide comprehensive training that results in skill development and credentials

Performance Measures:
The Workforce Investment Act has the most stringent requirements for youth programs of any of the workforce investment programs. There are mandated performance measures that are reported to the federal government for the following:

• Attainment of basic skills, work readiness or occupational skills
• Attainment of secondary school diplomas or recognized equivalents
• Placement and retention in postsecondary education, advanced training, military
  service, employment or qualified apprenticeships.

Contact:
Diedre Bailey, Youth Program Manager
Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development
Division of Business Partnerships
1016 W 6th Avenue STE 205
Anchorage, AK 99501
Phone: (907) 269-3744 Fax: 269-4661
Email