Improving Job Opportunities for Low-Income People: The Hope

The Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA) makes it possible to build human capital resources by providing employment services and training to youth and adult dislocated workers. Such services are particularly needed in the rural South, where those affected by welfare reform have few job skills or educational credentials. WIA calls for the creation of state workforce investment boards appointed by the state governor. The governor and the workforce investment board then designate local workforce investment areas and create local workforce investment boards to develop a workforce preparation and employment system that meets the unique needs of their areas. Each local board must assemble a youth council charged with developing a comprehensive plan to address the education and workforce preparation needs of low-income youth. Local boards are also responsible for selecting One-Stop System operators and providers of youth activities. Youth targeted are 14-21 years old, low-income, and experiencing at least one challenge such as being a school dropout, pregnant, an offender