Youth Services
Youth Services
The Region VII Workforce Development Board can provide services to at-risk youth ages 14-24. To be an eligible youth you must meet the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act guidelines and meet at least one of the following barriers:
- Deficient in basic literacy skills
- School dropout
- Homeless, runaway, or foster child
- Pregnant or parenting
- Offender/Juvenile Justice
- An individual (including a youth with disability) who requires additional assistance to complete an education program, or to secure and hold employment.
Youth services are provided by the Region VII Workforce Development Board by contracting with our youth service providers. Youth service providers, in conjunction with other youth organizations, to identify eligible at-risk youth to receive Workforce Development Board funded youth services.
Resources for Homelessness, click here.
WIOA Youth Program Elements
- Tutoring, study skills, and training leading to completion of secondary school
- Alternative secondary school services
- Work Experience/Summer employment opportunities
- Financial Literacy
- Occupational skill training
- Leadership development opportunities
- Supportive services
- Adult mentoring
- Follow-up services
- Comprehensive guidance and counseling
- Entrepreneurial Skills Training
- Labor Market Information
- Training for a specific career or career cluster
- Post-Secondary preparation and transition activities.
Simulated Workplace
The demand for a more work ready employee among West Virginia business and industry leaders continues to grow. It is clear in today’s workforce that Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematical (STEM) skills, along with attendance, drug free, team work and professionalism are critical skills required to be a work ready employee. Through the Simulated Workplace initiative, students will be immersed within an engaging work place environment which offers support in addition to rigorous training while developing the necessary skill sets to be a next generation work ready employee.
The West Virginia Department of Education has worked with a committee of experts in career and technical education, higher education, in additional to numerous business and industry experts to design the Simulated Workplace environment protocols and expectations.
Simulated Workplace programs introduce students to various business processes using twelve distinct measurement areas. These areas are proven to be essential to the success of many companies both locally and internationally. Through the West Virginia Simulated Workplace Program, the state will use the Balanced Scorecard measurement tool along with input from local business and industry experts to identify effective career CTE programs that meet the needs of tomorrow’s workforce. Integrating these authentic business practices statewide will give every student access to the necessary skills sets, certifications and academics needed to be successful.
To be eligible as a Simulated Workplace school or program, each county or school must identify a Simulated Workplace team. Each Simulated Workplace team must include, but is not limited to the county Superintendent(s), CTE Director and/or Administrator, Counselor, and program instructor(s). A random drug testing policy must be developed and adopted, which ensures a minimum of forty percent of students enrolled in the participating program(s) and/or school will be tested each school year. Additional requirements include time clocks, computer access, submittal of quarterly and annual reports, student portfolios, participation in the application and interview process for incoming students, student evaluations and company processes and protocols as outlined within the Simulated Workplace operational manual.
Contact Information
South Branch One-Stop Career Center
Amanda Mowery
Youth Coordinator
(304) 530-3917 x 9605
Martinsburg One-Stop Career Center
Willetta Miller
WIOA Youth Case Manager
(304) 264-6133 x 103