Step-Up

Before he left office President Obama passed the Workforce Investment and Opportunities Act; WIOA. Funded through Calworks and known as STEP Up, this program awards grants to community organizations to help youth gain work experience or pursue an education towards increasing employability. Each participant is individually assessed and offered supportive services tailored to help them achieve their potential. Working with local schools, community organizations and businesses, our goal is to help our youth build their lives and fulfill personal goals.

Both in-school and out of school youth, ages 14-24, qualify for this employment program. This program is especially suited to youth who are facing a diverse array of obstacles or challenges, such as those not currently enrolled in school; the differently-abled; those currently unhoused for any reason; those impacted by the justice system; currently or formerly in foster care; those residing in out of home placement; an English as a second language learner; pregnant or parenting; and/or low income. We recognize that people often face a combination of these qualities in their lives, which can present great systemic difficulties for youth.