Youth Programs

The future success of business in Northwest Illinois rests in our ability to train today’s youth to meet the workforce needs of tomorrow. The Northwest Illinois Workforce Investment Board, through its Youth Council, has made youth work readiness one of its top priorities.

Youth Goals

• Build strategic partnerships with businesses, educators, community organizations, civic leaders, youth service providers, and parents to increase awareness of quality youth services.
• Determine the status of employment opportunities for youth. Identify the needs and gaps in career opportunities in Northwest Illinois, and seek solutions that will prepare area youth to fill these voids.
• Raise career awareness and employability of youth up to 21 years of age, focusing on advanced skills training (post-secondary training) that are in line with local business needs.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive marketing/strategies plan to educate youth, employers, parents and educators about local career opportunities, with an emphasis on identified critical skills shortage industries.
• Work with businesses to expand hiring of entry-level youth.
• Work with schools, parents and youth service providers to develop effective programs that will better prepare youth to enter the workforce to improve both technical and soft skills.
• Identifying at-risk youth and helping them

For additional information, view the Northwest Illinois Workforce Investment Board’s 5-Year Plan.

Youth Funding

Through federal grants from the Department of Labor, northwest Illinois is able to support several local youth programs to help at risk students. A minimum of 70% of the funds are spent on out-of-school youth, and the reminder on in-school youth. Program selection is accomplished through requests for proposals. Program years run from July 1 to June 30.