Southwestern Area
Catron • Doña Ana • Grant • Hidalgo • Luna • Sierra • Socorro Counties
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Launch Your Career Trek
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) of 2014 enacted a comprehensive youth employment program for eligible youth ages 14-24. The main goal of the Youth Program is to increase the focus on longer-term academic and occupational learning opportunities and provide long-term comprehensive service strategies. Youth services are available to In-School youth (ages 14-21) and Out-of-School youth (ages 16-24).
The Youth Services programs begin with career exploration and guidance, continued support for educational attainment, opportunities for skills training, leading to a good job along a career pathway, or enrollment in post-secondary education. These unique programs help prepare today's youth to meet tomorrow's workforce needs.
Youth Program Elements
The WIOA Youth Services program includes 14 program elements. Each youth participant will have these 14 services available to them.
In-School Youth Eligibility
An In-School Youth is an individual between the ages of 14-21, low income, and meets at least one barrier to employment.
View In-School Youth eligibility.
Out-of-School Youth Eligibility
An Out-of-School Youth is an individual between the ages of 16-24, low income, and meets at least one barrier to employment.
View Out-of-School Youth eligibility.
Soft Skills
Most employers look for soft skills in their prospective and existing employees. "Skills to Pay the Bills: Mastering Soft Skills for Workplace Success" is a curriculum developed by ODEP focused on teaching "soft" or workforce readiness skills to youth, including youth with disabilities. The curriculum targets youth ages 14 to 24 in both in-school and out-of-school environments. It was created for youth development professionals as an introduction to workplace interpersonal and professional skills. The program's basic structure comprises modular, hands-on, engaging activities that focus on six key skill areas.
Job Readiness Training
Learn the Fundamentals of the Workplace. The Youth Program offers eligible youth the opportunity to receive job readiness training, which consists of learning the fundamental expectations that employers have with employees, such as: dressing appropriately for the job, arriving at work ahead of time, notifying the employer of an absence or tardiness, as well as how to work with others. Gain paid or unpaid work experience with a local employer. Job readiness training is provided to eligible youth whether or not they enter a work experience activity.
Work Experience Training
The Youth Program allows eligible youth to gain paid or unpaid work experience with a participating employer in your community.
High School Equivalency Diploma (HSE)
The Youth Program supports participants who need to complete their high school diploma or earn a High School Equivalency (HSE). We can connect you with local programs, resources, and guidance to help you reach this important milestone and move forward with your education or career goals .
Tutoring and Case Management
The Youth Program provides tutoring and case management services to improve the study and academic skills of youth ages 14-24. The main goal of the Youth Program is to increase the focus on longer-term academic and occupational learning opportunities and provide long-term comprehensive service strategies. Youth services are provided to in-school or out-of-school youth ages 14-24. Youth will benefit from tutoring, study skills training, and instruction leading to completing secondary schooling including dropout prevention strategies.
How Do I Get Started?
To learn more about our programs and if you qualify, we encourage you to complete our Virtual Orientation. This is the best way to understand the full range of services we offer and how to get started.