Provides detailed guidance to community groups in identifying and securing federal and state funds for employment-related youth programs and in assessing effective programs that help youth make successful transitions to adulthood. The guide discusses (1) effective youth-employment programs, including hands-on learning, school-to-career activities, service learning, work-based learning, and adult education; (2) aspects of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA), which governs the United States Department of Labor’s job-training funds, including block grants, Job Corps, youth councils and other collaborations, and local, state, and funding sources; (3) the Temporary Assistance for Needy Family (TANF) program in terms of funds available for youth to reduce dependency on government assistance, emphasizing eligibility requirements and ways to gain access to TANF funds; and (4) how state education assistance, through Average Daily Attendance (ADA) funds, can be used to help young people stay in school and prepare for jobs and careers, highlighting zero-tolerance policies, alternative schools and charter schools, and school-community partnerships. This information can help community groups pursue innovative ideas to better support their youth and to build vital, healthy communities where young people are prepared for successful futures.
