Before becoming a participant in the Out-of-School Youth program, an individual must complete eligibility determination and documentation verification. Determining whether youth are eligible to participate in the Out-of-School Youth Program involves multiple factors including age, school status, barriers to employment, and others. Individuals must meet all of the following eligibility criteria:
1. Be eighteen (18) to twenty-four (24) years of age; and
2. Be a United States citizen or have the right to work; and
3. Be registered for selective service (applicable males); and
4. Not attending school; and
5. One or more of the following:
- a. School dropout
- b. Within the age of compulsory school attendance but has not attended school for at least the most recent complete school year calendar quarter
- c. Subject to the juvenile or adult justice system
- d. Homeless
- e. Runaway
- f. Foster care
- g. Pregnant or parenting
- h. Disability
- i. Recipient of a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent who is a low-income individual and is either basic skills deficient or an English language learner*
- j. Low-income individual who requires additional assistance to enter or complete an educational program or to secure or hold employment*
*Low-income is defined as one or more of the following:
- Receiving assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Receiving assistance through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program
- Receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Family Income at or below the WIOA Federal Income Guidelines
- Lives in a high-poverty area