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Summer Youth Employment Program

What is the Summer Youth Employment Program?

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009, is intended to preserve and create jobs, promote the nation’s economic recovery, and to assist those most impacted by the recession.

ARRA makes available $1.2 billion for Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Youth activities.  Wisconsin has received $13.8 million of which $11.7 million will go to local Workforce Investment Boards (WIBs).  It is the intent of Congress that this funding be used to provide expanded summer employment opportunities.  For purposes of this funding, the summer is defined as the period May 1 through September 30.

What does the Summer Youth Employment Program Provide?

The Summer Youth Employment program can provide paid work experience.  WIBs may also choose to provide tutoring, mentoring, occupational skills training, academic services, supportive services (child care, transportation voucher), leadership training, and guidance and counseling in addition to the summer employment activities.

Who can be eligible?

Youth who meet the following eligibility requirements should inquire about participating in this program:

1. Age 14 – 24;
2. Low-income individual. For example, if your family size is 3 and your family income is less than $18,310/year, you may qualify; and
3. Meet one or more of the following criteria:
   1. Deficient in basic literacy skills;
   2. School dropout;
   3. Homeless, runaway, or foster child;
   4. Pregnant or parenting;
   5. Offender; or
   6. Individual (includes youth with disabilities) who requires additional assistance to complete an educational program, or to secure and hold employment

Who should I contact to find out about the Summer Youth Employment Program?

Each local WIB has a youth coordinator who can provide information regarding their Summer Youth Employment Program. The local areas are currently recruiting youth and employers for this program.

* WDA = Workforce Development Area

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