Training and Career Development

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Training Assistance

Genesee County Career Center may be able to help eligible adults, dislocated workers and young adults pay for approved training through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).

Adult and Dislocated Worker

You may be eligible for WIOA training funding if you:

• Are age 18 or older
• Are out of school and not enrolled in school or a training program
• Earn less than the self-sufficiency wage

Additional eligibility requirements apply.

Application and Eligibility Requirements

• Complete the Genesee County Job Development WIOA Scholarship Application. The application is available from the WIOA Training Scholarship Application link on this page.
• Register for Career Center Services by completing Form ES100 and submitting it to the Career Center. If your information needs to be updated, complete Form ES101. These forms are available through the Career Center Registration Form link on this page.
• Demonstrate a need to upgrade your skills to find suitable full-time employment or advance in your current job.
• Choose training that is connected to employment opportunities in the local labor market. Review the Finger Lakes Region Demand Occupations List.
• Demonstrate that you are suitable for the training and career you are pursuing and have the skills and qualifications needed to complete the selected training program.
• Meet any entrance requirements established by the school or training provider.
• Use other available grant assistance before WIOA funds when required. Other sources may include state training funds, Trade Adjustment Assistance, Federal Pell Grants, Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) grants and employer-sponsored training allowances.
• If employed, currently earn less than $28 per hour.

Adult and Dislocated Worker Funding Information

• Priority is given to veterans, eligible spouses of veterans and individuals receiving public assistance.
• Funding may be used for eligible training at colleges, universities, vocational schools and other approved training institutions.
• The locally established funding limit is currently $3,000 for eligible adults and dislocated workers. The amount may change depending on available funds.
• Training must be provided by a New York State-approved school or program listed on the Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL). Contact the Career Center if the training you are interested in is not listed.
• You must submit required paperwork and supporting documentation and complete assessment testing as part of the intake process.
• Training that has already started or will begin within two weeks is not eligible for funding.
• Return all required paperwork to your counselor at least two weeks before training begins. Contact the Career Center at least one month before the training start date to allow time to complete the approval process.
• Funding is limited, and decisions are based on factors including applicant need and projected success.
• Funding is not guaranteed, even if all required paperwork is submitted.
• Applications are reviewed based on factors such as need for funding, prior experience and skills, completeness and timeliness of paperwork, assessment results, related records and documentation, and availability of funds.
• Training must result in a recognized certificate, license or diploma. Single classes, such as a short Excel course, are not funded.
• Master's degree programs cannot be funded.
• Self-directed or online-only training is not eligible for funding.
• Career Center staff will provide follow-up and employment support for 12 months after training is completed.

Please note: WIOA guidelines and funding are subject to change based on local Workforce Development Board (WDB) policy and the availability of WIOA funds.

Young Adult and Youth

You may be eligible for WIOA youth services if you are age 16 through 24, are out of school and not enrolled in school or a training program, and meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Pregnant or parenting
• Did not complete high school
• Have involvement with the justice system
• Have a disability
• Are experiencing homelessness
• Aged out of foster care

Eligible young adults may qualify for training funding and supportive services.

Young Adult and Youth Services

• Paid work experience
• Employment supports
• Career training
• Tuition assistance
• Learner permit assistance
• Driving lessons
• Driver license assistance
• Mileage assistance
• Supportive service payments for items such as work clothes, tools and supplies
• Career exploration
• Labor market and employment information
• Incentive payments and recognition for reaching milestones
• Financial literacy
• Leadership development
• Mentoring

Youth Eligibility and Training Requirements

• Complete the GLOW Workforce Development Board Youth Application.
• Register for Career Center Services by completing Form ES100, or update your information using Form ES101.
• Demonstrate a need to upgrade your skills to find suitable full-time employment or advance in your current job.
• Choose training connected to employment opportunities in the local labor market.
• Demonstrate that you are suitable for the training and career you are pursuing and have the skills and qualifications needed to complete the selected training.
• Meet any entrance requirements established by the school or training provider.
• Use other available grant assistance before WIOA funds when required, including state training funds, Trade Adjustment Assistance, Federal Pell Grants, TAP grants and employer-sponsored training allowances.

Youth Funding Information

• Funding may be used for eligible training at colleges, universities, vocational schools and other approved training institutions.
• The locally established funding limit is currently $3,000 for eligible youth and young adults. The amount may change depending on available funds.
• Training must be provided by a New York State-approved school or program listed on the Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL).
• You must submit required paperwork and supporting documentation and complete assessment testing as part of the intake process.
• Training that has already started or will begin within two weeks is not eligible for funding.
• Return all required paperwork to your counselor at least two weeks before training begins. Contact the Career Center at least one month before the training start date to allow time to complete the approval process.
• Funding is limited, and decisions are based on factors including applicant need and projected success.
• Funding is not guaranteed, even if all required paperwork is submitted.
• Applications are reviewed based on factors such as need for funding, prior experience and skills, completeness and timeliness of paperwork, assessment results, related records and documentation, and availability of funds.
• Training must result in a recognized certificate, license or diploma. Single classes, such as a short Excel course, are not funded.
• Master's degree programs cannot be funded.
• Self-directed or online-only training is not eligible for funding.
• Career Center staff will provide follow-up and employment support for 12 months after training is completed.

Please note: WIOA guidelines and funding are subject to change based on local Workforce Development Board (WDB) policy and the availability of WIOA funds.