Information about the Federal Waiver

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) is the primary federal law supporting workforce development and career readiness for our country’s economically vulnerable youth. Each year the federal government distributes several hundred million dollars in WIOA funds to California, including about $120 million through the Youth Program. These resources can be used by local workforce development boards (WDBs) to fund services including vocational coaching and navigation, workforce training, skill development, and apprenticeship and internship programs to connect economically vulnerable youth and young adults to employment opportunities and career pathways. Funds from the WIOA Youth Program provide critical opportunities for youth to build the necessary skills and experience to achieve long-term career success.