Youth Programs
To enroll in a Youth Workforce Program:
please visit one of our Michigan Works! Service Centers
What are SEMCA’s Youth Programs?
SEMCA’s WIA Youth Programs help youth explore career options, build connections to the world of work, and gain new technical, academic and vocational skills – creating opportunities to engage youth in constructive activities that promote learning and skill development.
What geographic areas does SEMCA serve?
SEMCA’s WIA Youth Programs serve youth from out-Wayne and Monroe Counties. Youth program offices are located in the cities of Dearborn, Highland Park, Livonia, Monroe, Southgate and Wayne.
What services and supports do SEMCA’s Youth Programs either provide or provide linkages to?
Help youth make gains in academic and employability skills
Assist youth who have dropped out of school with getting back into high school; or link youth who have dropped out of school with alternative school offerings such as; adult education, GED preparation, tutoring, and basic skills remediation
Help youth gain valuable work experience
Connect youth to adults who serve as positive influences and role models
Promote post-secondary education and provide support to those who are interested in attending college
Promote occupational skills training and provide support to those who are interested in learning new occupational skills
Paid and unpaid work experiences, including internships and job shadowing
Provide or connect youth to supportive services that are necessary to enable an individual to participate in activities authorized by the program
Leadership development opportunities, which may include community service and peer-centered activities encouraging responsibility and other positive social behaviors
Comprehensive guidance and counseling
Follow-up services to ensure youth make successful transitions from the WIA program to the world of work
Youth Eligibility Criteria
An eligible youth is defined as an individual who:
Is age 14 through 21;
Is a low income individual (according to federal poverty guidelines);
Is within one or more of the following categories:
Deficient in basic literacy skills;
School dropout;
Homeless, runaway, or foster child;
Pregnant or parenting;
Offender; or
Is an individual (including a youth with a disability) who requires additional assistance to complete an educational program or to secure and hold employment
What is the Workforce Investment Act (WIA)?
WIA was signed by President Clinton on August 7, 1998. It reforms Federal job training programs and creates a new, comprehensive workforce investment system. The reformed system is intended to be customer-focused, to help Americans access the tools they need to manage their career through information and high quality services, and to help U.S. companies find skilled workers.
One of the seven key principles of the WIA law is Improved Youth Programs. The law calls for improved youth programs linked more closely to local labor market needs and community youth programs and services, and with strong connections between academic and occupational learning. Youth programs include activities that promote youth development and citizenship, such as leadership development through voluntary community service opportunities; adult mentoring and follow-up; and targeted opportunities for youth living in high poverty areas.
