Workforce Investment Opportunity Act (WIOA)

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), offers out-of-school youth, ages 16 to 24 years, an opportunity to participate in training for certificate and degree programs, which will assist in obtaining marketable skills for employment in their desired field of study. For funding through WIOA, participants must be residents of DeKalb County, meet income guidelines and eligibility requirements.

Eligibility Requirements

Individuals are eligible to participate in the WIOA Youth Program if they are a resident of DeKalb County, between 16-24 years old, meet income eligibility guidelines and possess one or more of the following barriers to employment:

• Pregnant or parent
• Homeless
• Foster Care and/or Aged out
• Ex-offender
• Disability
• Basic Skills Deficient in Reading and/or Mathematics
• English Language Learner
• Unemployment/Lack of Meaningful Employment

Student Success Services

Participate in the WIOA Youth Program at Kishwaukee College may qualify for one or more services designed to support and assist them as they participate in education and training opportunities to reach their fullest potential. 

These benefits and services include:

• Career Counseling & Support
• Tuition & fees
• Textbooks & Class Supplies
• Mileage Reimbursement to and from Classes
• Childcare Reimbursement while in Class
• Employment Readiness Training
• Referral to Community Services
• Job Shadowing

Short-Term Training Options:

• Administrative Assistant/Application Specialist
• Automated Engineering Tech certificates
• Automotive or Collision Repair Technology
• Basic Nurse assistant
• Computer-Aided Design certificates
• Computer Information Systems certificates
• Diesel Power/Equipment Repair Tech
• EMT or Paramedic
• Energy, Electricity, or Electronics/A+ Prep certificates
• Forklift Operator
• High School Equivalency preparation
• Horticulture certificates
• Medical Billing and Coding
• Pharmacy Technician
• Retailing certificate
• Truck Driver Training
• Welding Tech certificate

Program Contact Information

Dariana Lee
Coordinator
815-825-9341
dlee2@kish.edu

Phylicia Hampton
Career Planner
815-825-9384
phampton1@kish.edu

Aaron Briggs
Career Planner
815-825-9521
abriggs2@kish.edu

Ogle County Program Contact

Sharel Wolber
B.E.S.T. Inc
810 S. 10th St.
Oregon, IL 61061
815-732-0148
sharel_wolber@best-inc.org