WIA
The Mid-Ohio Educational Service Center (Mid-Ohio ESC) Workforce Investment Act (WIA) youth program is a year-round program that supports in-school and out-of-school youth as they transition into adulthood. The Mid-Ohio ESC/WIA staff serves youth in this capacity by providing career exploration assessments, life skills/employability skills groups, work internships, information and referral to community resources, academic assistance, and community service experience.
While participation in the WIA youth program is voluntary, certain expectations are set in order for the youth to benefit from the program. Youth will be expected to be active participants in all groups and activities as scheduled.
Eligibility:
Ages 16-21 living in Richland County.
Eligibility guidelines for WIA participants are determined by the Department of Labor. Must first meet the low-income requirement (based on household income) and secondly meet at least one of the following factors:
- Learning or physical disability
- Pregnancy or parenthood
- Court involvement
- Academic deficiency of a year or more
- School dropout (or at risk)
- Foster child, homeless, or runaway
Services:
- Case management
- Tutoring, study skills training, and instruction leading to completion of high school, including drop-out prevention strategies
- Summer employment opportunities linked to academic and occupational learning
- Paid and unpaid work experiences, including internships and job shadowing
- Occupational skills training
- Leadership development opportunities which may include community service and peer-centered activities encouraging responsibility and other positive social behaviors during non-school hours; includes life skills training
- Supportive services which may include linkages to community services
- Adult mentoring
- Follow-up services
- Comprehensive guidance and counseling, which may include drug and alcohol abuse counseling, mental health counseling, etc., as appropriate
