The GEAR Program

Eligibility

To be eligible for the WIOA Youth program an individual must meet the following specifications:

• Out-of-School Youth (OSY) individuals who are:
  • Not attending any school (as defined under State law);
  • Not younger than age 16 or older than age 24; and
  • One or more of the following:
    • A school dropout: Age 18+, or 16+ with parental consent;
    • A youth who is within the age of compulsory school attendance, but has not attended school for at least the most recent complete school year calendar quarter;
    • A recipient of a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent who is a low-income individual and is–
      • basic skills deficient; or
      • an English language learner.
    • An individual who is subject to the juvenile or adult justice system;
    • A homeless or runaway youth;
    • A current/prior foster youth;
    • An individual who is pregnant or parenting;
    • A youth who is an individual with a disability;
    • A low-income individual who requires additional assistance to enter or complete an educational program or to secure or hold employment.
      
      
• In-School Youth (ISY) individuals who are:
  • Attending school (as defined by State law);
  • Not younger than age 14 or (unless an individual with a disability who is attending school under State law) older than age 21;
  • A low-income individual; and
  • One or more of the following:
    • Basic skills deficient;
    • An English language learner;
    • An offender;
    • A homeless, runaway, or current/prior foster youth;
    • Pregnant or parenting;
    • A youth who is an individual with a disability;
    • An individual who requires additional assistance to complete an educational program or to secure or hold employment.