DVR and WIOA System Information and Strategies for Youth CHERYL CARVER DVR STEVE WRIGHT CDLE

DVR and WIOA System Information and Strategies for Youth CHERYL CARVER DVR STEVE WRIGHT CDLE

Learning Objectives Learn about the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and Workforce Development systems as it pertains to transitionaged youth in Colorado Gain a better understanding of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act requirements and changes that are being implemented See some of the overlap between these programs and how our systems can collaborate to improve outcomes for the youth we serve

Purpose and Scope of VR Rehabilitation Act Right to live independently, make choices, contribute to society, pursue meaningful careers and enjoy full inclusion Increased employment through vocational rehabilitation program Maximize employment, economic self sufficiency, independence and inclusion, and integration

Purpose and Scope of VR Regarding WIOA Places increased emphasis on service to transition age students Focus on employer/vr relationships Focus on Unified State Plan/Combined State Plan With mandated partners (i.e. Title I Programs, Wagner Peyser Employment Services, Vocational Rehabilitation and Adult, Education & Literacy) Increased and mandated focus on youth transitions

Overlap/Implications DVR & Workforce Vocational Rehabilitation has an enhanced focus on serving disabled youth with Pre Employment Transition Services Local offices shall work with local workforce development boards, one stop centers, and employers to develop work opportunities for students with disabilities, including internships, summer employment and other employment opportunities available throughout the school year, and apprenticeships

Funding Impact of WIOA for DVR Requirement of 15% of the existing Federal grant to be reserved for Pre Employment Transition Services (PETS) No additional funds for schools/activities Equates to FY 17 = estimated $7 million Must set aside 50% of supported employment funds for services to youth No increase to Federal supported employment grant

Overview of the VR Process Referral Application Eligibility Delayed Eligible Closed Other Rehabilitated Employed Service J Service

Referral to DVR The optimum timing for DVR to begin working with a student with a disability is when he or she is ready, and available, to engage in the activities necessary to establish an employment goal, develop an employment plan, and participate in vocational services in order to become employed. The time at which this occurs is unique to each individual, and does not necessarily correspond to a specific age or a specific event such as graduation. Rather, it should occur at a time when the youth s emphasis shifts from an academic focus to an employment focus, and the youth becomes available for vocational programming. DVR requires that the employment plan for a DVR transition participant (not on a deferred services waiting list) must be developed and approved before the student leaves the school setting.

WIOA Youth vs Student with Disabilities Youth with Disabilities Ages 16 24 May be in or out of secondary education Students with Disabilities Ages 15 21 Must be enrolled in secondary education with an IEP or 504 Plan Pre Employment Transition Services Specific set of services Only provided to Students with Disabilities

Initial Changes to DVR s Process Services to Students with Disabilities At 15 okay to: Attend IEP when invited Educate and provide technical assistance about DVR and preparing for employment If the student is ready for PETS accept an application and begin moving through VR process No change to lawful presence policies No change to required timelines What about plan development?

Pre Employment Transition Services (PETS) Job exploration counseling Work based learning experiences, which may include in school or after school opportunities or experience outside the traditional school setting (including internships) that is provided in an integrated environment to the maximum extent possible. **Comprehensive Needs Survey Counseling on opportunities for enrollment in comprehensive transition or postsecondary educational programs at institutions of higher education Workplace readiness training to develop social skills and independent living Instruction in self advocacy, which may include peer mentoring ***Available only to students with disabilities (aged 15 21 under an IEP or 504)

# 1 Factor predicting post school career success: Work experience during high school

What is Seamless Transition? A sequential delivery of specific preparatory and coordinated services that: begin in early high school and continue through post school follow up supports, with the intended outcome of each student employed in an individualized, integrated job of choice and/or enrolled in postsecondary education prior to school exit.

WIOA & Colorado s Transition Continuum Students with Disabilities Adult Partnership Linkages Post Secondary Education Job exploration counseling Work based learning experiences, which may include in school or after school opportunities or experience outside the traditional school setting (including internships) that is provided in an integrated environment to the maximum extent possible. Counseling on opportunities for enrollment in comprehensive transition or postsecondary educational programs at institutions of higher education Workplace readiness training to develop social skills and independent living Instruction in self advocacy, which may include peer mentoring DVR Community Centered Boards Postsecondary Education Systems Social Security Administration Independent Living Centers Mental Health Centers Work Force Centers Business/Industry Sector Partnerships Career Training Pathways Indicators 13 & 14 Competitive, integrated employment Enrolled postsecondary education

Possible Implications of using the best features of WIOA Work experiences early and often! Paid work as both a key transition intervention and the desired outcome Collaborations between schools, VR, and their partners focus on the employment outcome for commonly served youth (not just the hand off )

What We Know Successful high school work experience = higher adult employment rates Continued post school support is necessary for some categories of youth in order to sustain employment success (in WIOA this = follow up, possibly mentoring)

What Is The Norm? Sporadic or episodic work experiences during secondary school Poor post school employment success, especially for: Youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities Youth with significant support needs

Three Possible Transitions Scenarios: 1. Youth exits school with no work experience 2. Youth exits school with work experience, but no postschool supports in place 3. Youth exits school with work experience and seamless linkage to adult system and/or educational supports

The Ideal Scenario Youth are jointly served by school system and adult employment agencies BEFORE school exit.

How do we collaborate for career pathways? There are a variety of ways in which schools can effectively link exiting students with community service agencies that may provide services as the student prepares to leave, and following exit from, the school system. These strategies are intended to maximize opportunities for youth to connect with appropriate agencies. It is most critical for educators to remember that relationships and consistent communication are the keys to successfully accessing services for youth. Attend IEP meetings, when invited Collaborate with community partners, including workforce centers, to develop work opportunities Coordinate with Work Force Centers and DVR to assist with awareness, preparation, exploration activities to compliment curriculum and contribute to the IEP and ICAP

Continued collaboration Schedule regular meeting times (e.g. monthly, quarterly) Provide periodic (e.g. beginning of the year and mid year) updates on students Arrange for space in the school for agency representatives to meet with parents, students and other teachers Become familiar with agency services, useful documentation, eligibility requirements, and referral process Obtain printed materials (e.g. brochures, contact information) from agencies to share with parents and students Co sponsor an Agency Night for parents and students Invite agency representatives to be available at school events, such as Back to School nights or Parent Teacher Conferences Involve agency representatives in classroom or School to Career activities (e.g. mock interviews, job search training activities, job shadows, review of employer concerns) Ensure district participation on local Interagency Transition Teams

Collaborations & Community Partners Examples Zoo Project Project SEARCH Jeffco CSBG Children s Hospital Sunny Acres St Vrain Valley School District Nutritional Services Work Study Hudson Gardens Denver Health

Now Let s TRANSITION to WIOA

WIOA Youth Overview Serves in school youth (ages 14 21) and out of school youth (ages 16 24) Increases funding prioritized to out of school youth Requires 20% of youth funds to be spent on work experiences Adds four youth program elements that must be competitively procured: Financial literacy education Entrepreneurial skills training Career awareness/exploration based on in demand sectors Postsecondary education preparation

Out of School Youth Eligibility To be eligible youth must be: Aged 16 to 24 Meet one or more additional criteria

Out of School Youth Additional Criteria School dropout Within the age of compulsory school attendance, but has not attended school for at least the most recent complete school year calendar quarter Recipient of a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent who is low income and basic skills deficient or an English language learner Subject to the juvenile or adult justice system A homeless individual defined in sec. 41403(6), Violence Against Women Act (42 U.S.C. 14043e 2(6))), a homeless child or youth, a runaway, in foster care or has aged out of the foster care system, a child eligible for assistance under section 477, Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 677), or in an out of home placement Pregnant or parenting An individual with a disability Low income individual who requires additional assistance to enter or complete an educational program or to secure or hold employment

In School Youth Eligibility To be eligible youth must be: Aged 14 to 21 Low income And one or more additional criteria Youth receiving or eligible to receive a free or reduced price school lunch are considered low income under WIOA

In School Youth Additional Criteria Basic skills deficient English language learner An offender Homeless, a runaway, in foster care or has aged out of the foster care system Pregnant or parenting Disabled Requires additional assistance to enter or complete an educational program or to secure or hold employment DOLA Poverty Map: http://dola.colorado.gov/cmsbase/sites/dola.colorado.gov.giscms/files/projects/povertycomprehensive/co mp_poverty.html

New Youth Program Elements Five New Elements (total of 14 program elements): Financial literacy Entrepreneurial skills training Services that provide labor market and employment information in the local area Activities that help youth transition to postsecondary education and training Education offered concurrently with and in the same context as workforce preparation activities and training for a specific occupation or occupational cluster

Additional Program Elements (from WIA) 1. Tutoring, study skills, dropout prevention strategies 2. Alternative secondary school offerings 3. Summer employment opportunities linked to academic and occupational learning 4. Paid and unpaid work experience 5. Leadership development 6. Supportive Services 7. Adult mentoring 8. Comprehensive guidance and counseling 9. Occupational skill training 10. Follow up activities for no less than 12 months after completion of participation

Career Services Former WIA core and intensive services are merged under WIOA into a single new category of Career Services. Under WIOA, individuals have enhanced access to training by ensuring there is no sequence of service requirement. Job seekers who are basic skills deficient now have priority for Adult program services along with low income job seekers and public assistance recipients.

Career Services

Training and Work Based Learning WIOA Continues classroom training, and emphasizes more on the job training, work experience and apprenticeship opportunities WIOA expands training opportunities transitional jobs, incumbent worker training WIOA directs contracts to higher education institutions to provide class size training WIOA requires transparency in performance outcomes

Emphasis on Work Based Learning Funding Youth Work Experiences: At least 20% of local Youth formula funds must be used for work activities such as: Summer jobs Pre apprenticeship On the job training Internships

Transferring Funding Local Workforce Development Boards can transfer funding: Local boards can transfer 100% of funds between Dislocated Worker and Adult programs. Up to 10% of both funds can be used for transitional jobs for individuals with barriers to employment.

Other Key Changes WIOA requires 75% of state and local Youth funding be used for out of school youth. FUNDING, not ENROLLMENTS! 50% exception for states that receive a minimum allotment. Under WIOA, Youth Councils are no longer required; however, Standing Youth Committees are encouraged. Colorado is committed to maintain the State Youth Council to provide support/ta

Youth Programming Under WIOA Youth/Young Adults Work Based Learning On the job training, Work Experiences and Internships Job Readiness & Job Search/Soft Skills Training Assessments Career Pathways Post Secondary Education Mentorships/Leadership Opportunities Pre Apprenticeships & Apprenticeships Business/Industry Sector Partnerships Work Based Learning On the job training, Work Experiences and Internships Assessments Career Pathways Pre Apprenticeships & Apprenticeships Partnerships Regionalism Strategic Partnerships Sustainability Blended/Braided Funding Universal Access Referrals to Connections & Community Supports Access to Community Information & Resources

Building & Sustaining Partnerships State level awareness and exploration is happening Best when developed and owned locally Outreach in local areas in development stages Regional Meetings occurring to support this effort New MOUs are being developed locally and have to be in place July 1, 2016

Partnering with Local Areas Find out what is written in local area plans on servicing the youth in that area Meet with and get to know local area leadership staff to ensure collaboration and integration of service delivery and opportunities for partnership with both the WIOA Youth and Adult programming Develop programming in collaboration with the local area that enhances WIOA Talent Development strategies, such as Career Pathway Development, Sector Strategies, Registered Apprenticeships, Work Experiences and On the Job Training Participate in the Workforce Development Board Sub Committee or any boards/advisory committees available or being utilized to drive youth strategies in that local area Know basic eligibility and requirements to enable ability for good referrals and partnership

Timeline Parts of WIOA Became Effective July 1, 2015 Funding began Youth spending requirements began Required/Allowed activities began Full Implementation Begins July 1, 2016 New performance measures tracked New state plan provisions go into effect New partnership agreements go into effect New ETPL system requirements go into effect (through College in Colorado)

Additional CDLE Programs and Resources Governor s Summer Job Hunt Labor Market Information/LMI Gateway/Publications/Training Career Pathways, Key Industries, and Sector Strategies (via Colorado Workforce Development Council) Sectors Toolkit State Youth Council Think Big Conference

Governor s Summer Job Hunt In addition to the services and requirements under WIOA, CDLE offers a program called the Governor s Summer Job Hunt Youth 14 24 Staff in every workforce region to help all youth, 14 24 Workplace readiness services such as: Resume, mock interviewing Career awareness, industry tours, labor market information Information and/or presentations for community partners Job fairs, job matching Register all youth at www.connectingcolorado.com

Labor Market Information Unit at CDLE that assists job seekers, employers, and educators with economic and labor market information and tools Produces wonderful industry sector and occupational products aimed at school aged youth Provides training on how to use their website to do your own analysis of the data and even create your own reports/products www.colmigateway.com

Career Pathways & Sector Partnerships Career pathways is a key component of the WIOA; Colorado s workforce system has grasped this concept and been coordinating regionally and statewide Aligns public partners and engages them in a continuous conversation that is led by industry and ensures that jobseekers and students move seamlessly through support programs, educational institutions, training opportunities, and workbased experiences to build skills and credentials that meet industry demand and prepare them for jobs and careers. In Colorado, the statewide career pathway system aligns career pathway programs and systems developed throughout high demand industries in each economic development region of the state.

Sector Partnerships An industry specific regional partnership led by business in partnership with economic development, education, and workforce development. Are employer driven; Are regional; Are convened by a credible third party Act as a coordinating body across multiple education, workforce development, economic development and other programs Create highly customized responses to a target industry s needs, and therefore highly accurate responses They are about more than workforce training Treat employers as partners, not just customers Are NOT a grant program, a short term project, a passing fad; they are a long term partnership www.sectorssummit.com check out the toolkit icon in particular

Sector Partnerships Are Really Happening Northern Colorado Manufacturing Partnership Strengthen Capacity and Connections of Education and Training Providers 2+3 Engineering pathways Industry badges for work based projects Partner with K 12 to incorporate hands on experience Expand Work Based Experiences for Students Develop guidance to support increased experiences Set milestones and metrics for increasing opportunities Adapt Curriculum to Meet Industry Needs Cross program advisory committees of hiring authority and high performing workers Provide hands on supplements to curriculum through practical cases for students

State Youth Council Work group under the Education and Training Subcommittee of the Colorado Workforce Development Council Diverse membership reflecting WIOA mandated and extended partners at the state and county level, with community partners as well Tasked with considering all youth Historically have supported the Think Big Conference and regional training for local youth councils Exploring ways to support the mission and vision of the CWDC and extending whatever resources, information, TA to local regions and partners

For Additional Information Cheryl Carver Cheryl.carver@state.co.us Steve Wright Steve.wright@state.co.us