WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR SPECIAL PROGRAMS
Some PowerZone® services require certain eligibility requirements.
Youth are required to meet the basic WIA eligibility requirements. Once the basic WIA eligibility requirements are met, additional requirements for WIA youth must be met.
The job seeker must be:
  • between ages 14 through 21
  • a low-income individual (as defined in the Glossary Desk Reference); and
  • within one or more of the following categories:
    • Deficient in Basic Literacy Skills
    • School Dropout (youth who are homeschooled are not dropouts)
    • Homeless, Runaway, or Foster Youth
    • Pregnant or Parenting
    • Offender
    • Additional assistance needed to complete an educational program, or to secure and hold employment
Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas has defined "Requiring additional assistance to complete an educational program or to secure and hold employment" to include youth with one or more of the following characteristics:
  • First Generation College Student
  • Eligible for Pell Grant
  • Youth with disability (learning, mental or physical)
  • Failing(ed) one or more core subjects within the current or previous six weeks. (Core subjects are defined as Math, English, History, Reading, and Science)
  • Basic Skills Deficient in Reading or Math
  • Require Summer/Night School attendance to advance to the next grade
  • Behind grade level
  • Have not been promoted one or more times in grades one through six
  • Reside in a residential or placement facility or substance abuse treatment facility
  • At risk of dropping out of school as defined by the local ISD
  • Failed one or more section of the TAAS
  • One or more years below grade level in Reading or Math (chronological)
  • Receive Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) for education services
  • Youth participating in "Job Coaching Services" through agencies such as Life Resource, MHMR, etc.
  • Lack significant work history
  • Deficient Pre-Employment/Work Maturity
  • Parent(s) lack a high school diploma/GED
  • Attending Alternative School
  • Single Parent Home
  • Limited English
  • Lacks Childcare
  • Truancy, excessive absenteeism
  • Excessive Tardiness
  • Cash Welfare Recipient
  • Food Stamp Recipient
  • Long Term TANF Recipient
  • Family Medical Problems/Chronic Illness
  • Lacks Food and Clothing
  • Family has unstable work history
  • Lacks Transportation
  • Family Abuse in the home including alcohol and drugs
  • Unable to enter the workforce because of age
  • Borderline of failing core subjects (grades are below 75)
  • Eligible for Free or Reduced Meals under the National School Lunch Act during the most recent school year.
Note: Male youth who turn 18 while enrolled in WIA must complete their military selective service registration 30 days prior to or 30 days after their 18th birthday to continue receiving WIA services.
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