Kentucky Employing Youth
The federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Title 1B Youth Program provides services to youth ages 14-24. The main focus of the Youth Program is to increase longer-term academic and occupational learning opportunities. Youth services are provided to out-of-school youth ages 16-24.
The Youth Program is designed to prepare youth to enter post-secondary education, training, or employment upon completion of their secondary education.
Eligibility Requirements:
Some services have eligibility requirements. Individuals must:
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Be between the ages of 16-24
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Be low-income,
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And meet at least one barrier to employment.
Speak with a Talent Development Specialist to get more information on any of these services and to see if you qualify. Complete the contact form below to begin your journey or visit one of our locations.
Other Services
Talent Development Specialists provide you with supportive services to help overcome obstacles while gaining and maintaining long-term employment, these services include but are not limited to:
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Linkages to community services
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Assistance with transportation
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Assistance with childcare and dependent care
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Needs related payments
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Assistance with educational testing and supplies
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Assistance youth uniforms or appropriate work attire
Youth Initiative: Putting Young Kentuckians First
The Kentucky Career Center - Bluegrass/ American Job Center is part of a new 2-year, $20,000,000 statewide initiative to place Kentucky’s 16–24 year-olds in self-sustaining employment. Putting Young Kentuckians First is included in House Bill 1 from the 2024 Kentucky Legislative session.
We are focused on assisting individuals 18-24 years of age with short-term training, work experience, on-the-job training, and other services to secure full-time employment that provides a livable wage.
If you are between the ages of 18 and 24 and would like to begin a career immediately without wanting to pursue a two to four-year degree, then this initiative is for you!
Educators Interested in Career Planning Services for Students
We can provide career seminars, employers, or virtual reality career exploration devices to high schools in Anderson, Bourbon, Boyle, Clark, Estill, Fayette, Franklin, Garrard, Harrison, Jessamine, Lincoln, Madison, Mercer, Nicholas, Powell, Scott, Woodford. Email us using the link below to start planning your school’s career event.
Work Experience
Paid and unpaid work experience are planned, structured learning experience that takes place in a workplace and provides youth with opportunities for career exploration and skill development. Work experience may take place in the private for-profit sector, the non-profit sector, or the public sector for up to 480 hours. We partner with various businesses and organizations around the region to provide a wide array of work experience sites.
Financial Literacy
The Kentucky Career Center - Bluegrass is dedicated to expanding the knowledge of today’s youth toward financial responsibility. To ensure they are prepared to succeed in their economic future. Workshops are presented on various topics including budgeting, direct deposit, personal saving, investing, etc. These workshops are presented by various financial experts throughout the Bluegrass Area.
Out-of-School Youth
Out-of-school youth is an individual who is not attending any school, not younger than age 16 or older than age 24, and has one or more of the following barriers:
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School dropout
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Within the age of compulsory school attendance, but has not attended school for at least the most recent complete school year calendar quarter
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Recipient of a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent who is low-income and basic skills deficient or an English language learner
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Subject to the juvenile or adult justice system
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A homeless youth, a runaway, in foster care or has aged out of the foster care system, or in an out-of-home placement
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Pregnant or parenting
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An individual with a disability
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A low-income individual who requires additional assistance to enter or complete an educational program or to secure or hold employment.