Youth Services
The Workforce Investment Act Program for Youth
The WIA Youth Program is a comprehensive program designed to help youth reach their career goals. Activities are offered throughout the year.
Find out who is eligible and act fast- A limited number of youth can be given jobs and receive scholarships. For more information, visit a One-Stop Workforce Center.
Click here if you are attending school.
Click here if you are not attending school.
Youth Case Managers
Colleton- Kevin Crosby kcrosby@dew.sc.gov
Hampton- Marica Kinard mkinard@dew.sc.gov
Jasper- Tanisha Bellinger tbellinger@dew.sc.gov
Beaufort- Lakeshia McMillian lmcmillian@dew.sc.gov
Benefits for youth
Tutoring/help with school
One of the goals of the WIA program is to help those enrolled in WIA to graduate high school. The following are a part of the WIA program
- Basic skills testing to help you determine your strengths.
- A subscription to a powerful on-line basic skills tutorial.
- Workshops on how to take tests and how to organize your school work.
- In some counties homework centers or tutoring is available.
GED assistance
WIA may pay fees for youth enrolled in WIA programs to return to school and take the GED exam.
Click here to find out about the GED exam
Click here to find a GED/adult education or literacy program in your county.
Scholarships
Youth enrolled in the WIA program may qualify for scholarships that can be combined with financial aid and other programs to fund training after high school. To apply WIA enrolled youth must complete a scholarship application, take an occupational assessment, attend a workshop and complete financial aid forms.
Scholarships can be used for programs on the SC WIA training providers list. Decisions regarding scholarships are made on an individual basis considering an applicant’s ability to complete training and get a job. If you are accepted for a scholarship, WIA can help pay for gas, childcare, books and required supplies.
Jobs
Summer Jobs – To be placed in a WIA summer job, you must participate in activities in your career plan. That could include attending workshops, participating in tutoring and going on field trips.
Part-time jobs during school year – Part-time work experience jobs are possible during the school year.
Placement assistance for “real” jobs after completion of school – If you have done your part in reaching your goals, WIA will help place you with an employer.
Other youth services
- Mentoring
- Field trips to colleges and businesses
- Cultural field trips
- Chances to volunteer
- Workshops to help you succeed in life
- Help completing financial aid applications
How do I figure out what I want to do?
The good news is you have nearly unlimited potential. You can narrow down some career choices with the following techniques:
- Talk to people in occupations you are thinking about. If possible observe them working.
- Look at books and videos available at your library or One-Stop Workforce Centers.
- Explore your interests and talents by taking a computerized assessment. SCOIS and Career Scope are available at One-Stop Workforce Centers. You will receive a list of jobs to research.
- Try out different career fields by volunteering or getting a part-time job.
- Get information through the Internet. Start here.
How can I continue school?
Hot tip: If you are in high school, consider programs offered by the career center or vocational school. It is cheaper to take some courses such as cosmetology in high school than to start them after you graduate.
Lowcountry Colleges and Universities
Technical College of the Lowcountry
University of South Carolina Beaufort
University of South Carolina Salkehatchie
Websites of SC schools listed on www.sciway.net can be found by clicking here.
Area training programs
The following schools have submitted information on training programs that has been included in the SC WIA Eligible Training Providers List. Not all program offered by the schools are on the list. Scholarships are determined on an individual basis. To get more information on training click here.
Financial aid information
Scholarships and financial aid programs can help you reach your goals. Not all types of scholarships are available at every school. Contact the school of your choice for more information. Below are some common sources of assistance. Click for more info.
- Needs Based Assistance (federal and state, includes Pell Grant.)
Federal and state financial aid such as the Pell Grant are awarded based on need as determined by family income reported on income tax documents and other records. The application for the Pell Grant and related types of aid is on the Internet. There is no fee to apply. Click here to start.
- Lottery Scholarships
Lottery scholarships do not consider your high school academic record. Scholarships are offered through SC two-year colleges for students taking at least 6 credit hours a semester who are in a degree program. Students have to complete the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) financial aid application and must not owe money for student loans.
For more information in scholarships, click here (If pop up box asks for your user account and password, click “x” to keep going).
- State Academic Scholarships (Palmetto, Life, Hope)
Hope Scholarship, Life Scholarship and Palmetto Fellows are scholarships for South Carolina residents that meet academic requirements. For more information contact the two or four year college of your choice or the SC Commission on Higher Education at: http://www.che.sc.gov/StudentServices/FinAHome.htm (If pop up box asks for your user account and password, click “x” to keep going.)
Workforce Investment Act Scholarships
Scholarships are available to individuals participating in Workforce Investment Act programs who:
- Need training or retraining to get a job
- Have the ability to complete training and work in a selected field
- Choose a training program on the eligible training provider’s list that provides training for an in-demand occupation. Click here for eligible training providers list.
To receive a scholarship, Workforce Investment Act participants must meet eligibility requirements, attend a workshop, take an occupational interest assessment and complete a scholarship application. To find out more about Workforce Investment Act programs, click here. You can find out answers to the 6 most commonly asked questions about WIA training here.
Workforce Investment Act Youth Program
If you are willing to leave home to invest in your career, Job Corp may be for you.
License to drive – Make a plan to get driving.
Getting your driver’s license may be your first step in getting independence. In South Carolina, youth under the age of 17 must show proof that they are in school and attending regularly.
Beginner’s Permit Requirements
Driver’s License Requirements
SC Driver’s Manual on-line (in English and Spanish)
Links for youth
College Board – prepare for SAT
Selective Service
Career Decision Making
College Planning
AmeriCorps – earn tuition money while volunteering in U.S.
School's Out Lowcountry - Find other youth programs and services in your area.
www.myscschools.com
Links for adults working with teens
To see child labor rules and safety tips click here.
On-line magazine for parents of teens.
Youth Case Managers
Colleton- Kevin Crosby kcrosby@dew.sc.gov
Hampton- Marica Kinard mkinard@dew.sc.gov
Jasper- Tanisha Bellinger tbellinger@dew.sc.gov
Beaufort- Lakeshia McMillian lmcmillian@dew.sc.gov