WIA Grants
WIA grants are financial awards to low-income individuals for education and training purposes. These awards are authorized by the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) of 1998, which was popularly called the "Welfare-to-Work" Act. Applicants can access this program through a local Department of Labor office, which is often designated as the One-Stop Career Center.
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Purpose
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The purpose of the original Act was to move people from public assistance to self-sufficiency. Recognizing that many might need further education and job training to accomplish this, funds are authorized to help pay for education and training at local educational institutions. The program seeks to assist those individuals who have barriers to employment such as skills deficiency, disabilities, lack of transportation or lack of child care. The ultimate goal is employment in a job that pays a living wage.
Eligibility
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Eligibility is based on income, size of household and a determination that the individual is deficient in basic skills in math, reading and writing. Other obstacles to employment are also considered, such as lack of transportation and child care. The WIA Youth program helps youth from ages 14 to 21 who are low-income and skills-deficient, are foster children, homeless or youthful offenders. Youth may be connected with local educational opportunities or assisted with applying for placement in Job Corps.
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Process
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Applications are accepted at the local One-Stop Career Center or other agency charged with providing employment services. Applicants are interviewed and assessed for eligibility and if accepted, an individual training plan is created. The case worker assists the applicant with connections to training providers in the community.
Uses
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WIA funds can be used for tutoring and educational enhancement in the case of younger youth, and to pay for GED tests and vocational certification in the case of older youth. Adults receive help with tuition, books and uniforms as well as child care and transportation, if necessary.
Considerations
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Applicants who are accepted into the WIA program make a long-term commitment to finish their training and seek employment. Grants for education are not awarded until the applicant has applied for and received confirmation of eligibility for the federal Pell grant. WIA funds supplement Pell funds by paying for needs that Pell does not, such as transportation, child care and school supplies.
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References
- Photo Credit school books image by William Berry from Fotolia.com
