Information For:
YA Program Application Guidelines
How do I apply to operate a YA Program?
Local YA grants are available to fund local YA programs under Wisconsin statute 106.13. The purpose of the grants is to administer the YA program. All local partnerships must be approved by the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) in order to operate a YA program. Local partnerships may operate a YA program with or without state funding; however the same application must be submitted.
Request for Proposals (RPF)
- RFP to solicit applications issued in March each year
- Grant period is July 1 – June 30 of the following year
- Funding is available to local partnerships to implement and coordinate YA programs. Grant awards are contingent upon availability of state funds.
- The designated Fiscal Agent for the local partnership must submit the application.
- Fiscal Agents may be a school district or other agency/organization which demonstrates the capacity and fiscal integrity to comply with grant requirements. Fiscal Agents can serve only one local YA partnership.
- Local YA Partnerships are defined as:
- One or more school districts
- Any combination of school district(s), public agencies, non-profit organizations, individuals or other persons.
- School District options:
- Remain in existing partnership
- Transfer to a different partnership
- Organize a new partnership
- Cannot be a member of more than one YA partnership
Application Requirements
- Limit cost per student to $900 per student (total grant amount divided by number of students to be enrolled)
- Provide at least 50% matching funds
- Submit a grant of no less than $10,000 and 11 students
- Have the capacity to deliver the YA program in accordance with requirements
- Designate a regional and/or local YA program coordinator
- Submitting the YA Program Application
- Tips for Writing a Successful YA Program Grant
Allowable Use of Funds
- Recruiting employers for YA students
- Providing employer technical assistance and mentor training
- Recruiting YA students
- Monitoring YA student progress
- Coordinating YA activities with partners
- Coordinating academic and related instruction for YA students
- Coordinating school-based and work-based learning for YA students
- Coordinating secondary and postsecondary education for YA students
- Providing YA related instruction including software licenses
- Providing support services for YA students
- Administrative costs limited to 5% of program costs
Prohibited Use of Funds
- YA student wages, benefits, stipends, or cash assistance
- Equipment for YA employers
- Classroom equipment
- Transportation costs to and from worksites and/or related instruction
- Out of state travel for staff and students
- Conference, workshop, and membership costs that do not directly benefit the YA program
- Funding organizations that support business interests
Grant Performance
- Reviewed quarterly with a full review annually
- If expenditures and/or enrollment fall below 85% of approved plan OR if actual costs exceeds $900 per student, funds may be de-obligated from the grant
- Invoice reimbursement will be limited to $900 per enrolled YA student
YA Program Outcomes
- At least 75% of enrolled YA students are expected to successfully complete the YA program and receive the state skill certificate
- At least 60% of two-year YA program graduates are expected to be offered employment by their YA employer
LINK: To RFP Application (form)