Spending and fiscal issues,

including allowable costs

I heard that we now have to spend at least 70 percent of our funds on out-of-school youth. Is that true?

No. The requirement that local areas must spend at least 30 percent of their youth allocation on out-of-school youth has not changed. The spending requirement is part of the law and won’t change until WIA is reauthorized or replaced with other legislation.

Can I use WIA youth funds to provide a service to a youth who is not a WIA participant?

In general, no. WIA youth funds can only be used to provide services to WIA participants; however, WIA funds may be spent on outreach or recruitment activities. For example, you may hold an open house for youth to recruit new participants. Some youth who attend may not be eligible or may choose not to become WIA participants. This is allowable, but you cannot provide any service under the 10 program elements or framework activities to non-participants.

What services can we provide to a youth who is in follow-up?

Any service that was provided to a youth as an active participant can be provided during follow-up if it is needed for the youth to keep his or her employment, stay in education, or advance on the job. Some local policies limit what can be provided during follow-up, so be sure to know your local policy, as well.