Glossary

All A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Acronyms

  • Young People

    ​Youth who are either in or out of school, aged 16-24 (inclusive of age 24).  

  • Youth

    ​People aged 14 through 21 (Note: The Recovery Act increases the age eligibility to a maximum of 24 years old for those youth served with Recovery Act Funds.);

    • low income; and
    • within one or more of the following categories:
      1. deficient in basic literacy skills
      2. school dropout
      3. homeless, runaway, or foster child
      4. pregnant or parenting
      5. offender
      6. requires additional assistance to complete an educational program or to secure and hold employment (includes youth with a disability)

    Source: Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity WIA Policy Letter No. 05-PL-05

  • Youth Apprenticeship

    A program for youth (ages 16 to 24) currently enrolled in secondary education or pursuing a high school equivalency, including those with disabilities, that include, at minimum, the following:

    1. 450 hours of paid on-the-job training under the supervision of a mentor;
    2. At least two semesters of related instruction that ideally counts towards a high school and/or postsecondary credential but minimally leads to an Industry Credential;
    3. Ongoing and final assessment measuring success in mastering skill standards;
    4. Career exploration, where participants learn about several positions within the employer and the field;
    5. Wraparound supports (e.g., case management and counseling) and holistic upskilling (e.g., technical skills and soft skills); and
    6. Upon successful completion of the program, participants are supported to apply for one or more of the following: entry-level employment, admission to a Registered Apprenticeship or Non-Registered Apprenticeship program, or admission to other articulated postsecondary education options (including 2- and 4-year programs).
  • Youth Council
    The youth council is a subgroup within each local board appointed by the local board in cooperation with the chief elected officials and is responsible for recommending and coordinating youth policies and programs. The youth council membership includes members of the local workforce investment board, representatives of youth service agencies, local public housing authorities, parents of eligible youth seeking assistance, individuals, including former participants and representatives of organizations that have experience relating to youth activities and representatives of the Job Corps as appropriate. Members of the youth council who are not members of the local board shall be voting members of the youth council and nonvoting members of the board.
  • Youth Transition
    A process for transition from school to a successful adult life and the world of work. The transition is complex and involves decisions about career, living arrangements, social and financial goals.