What is WIOA? The Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act That Powers Our Schools

At Options for Youth (OFY) Acton and Duarte charter schools, we’re proud to be Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Exclusive Partners.

Our commitment is to provide students with a personable educational experience that prepares them for graduation and equips them with the skills and knowledge needed for success in their chosen college and career paths. Ensuring students leave prepared to enter the workplace is our number one priority.

What is WIOA?

WIOA is a federal program focused on strengthening and improving the nation’s public workforce system. It aims to help individuals, including youth and those with barriers to employment, access high-quality education and training services that will lead to good jobs and career advancement. 

Through our partnership with WIOA, OFY Acton and Duarte ensure that our students benefit from a comprehensive approach to education that aligns with current workforce needs.

100% of students at WIOA-partnered schools are engaged in WIOA programming and receive instruction exclusively in partnership with WIOA. 

How Does This Look in Practice?

At OFY Acton and Duarte, every student’s experience is tailored to include workforce readiness instruction that’s woven into core course content. This ensures that they not only meet academic requirements but also develop essential skills for future employment and career advancement.

Students participate in workforce readiness classes and activities led in collaboration with a Workforce Partner coach or instructor. These activities cover critical areas such as financial literacy, entrepreneurial skills, and overall workforce preparation. Teachers of record schedule and support students through this coursework, making sure it’s seamlessly integrated into their academic plan.

Key Features of Our WIOA Partnership

1. Workforce-Centric Instruction: All instruction is contextualized to real-world workforce applications, so students can see the direct link between what they learn and their career goals.
2. Comprehensive Support Services: Students have access to internships, work experience, job placement, and family support services—all designed to remove barriers and promote success.
3. Soft Skills Integration: Our curriculum is enriched with soft skills training, helping students build communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities critical for any career.
4. Universal Case Management: We provide a structured support system that includes: 
   • 30-Day Check-Ins with a Career Pathways Coordinator
   • Career fairs, networking events, and certification opportunities
   • Resource packets and alumni services
   • Resume building and interview skills training
   • CalJobs profiles and workforce resource guidance
5. Partner Case Management
   • Wrap-around services are available, including:
   • Financial literacy and entrepreneurial skills
   • Internships and supportive services
   • Pre-apprenticeships and certifications
   • Career exploration and labor market information
   • Paid work experience
   • Assigned career coaches and academic support
6. Focused Case Management: We create clear schedules and pathways to support students’ career and post-secondary goals, aligning with WIOA’s 14 elements for comprehensive workforce development.

The Career Paths:

At Options For Youth, we understand that everyone’s future is different–whether you want to pursue post-secondary school, trade, or start working your profession right away, we provide the steps and resources to help you get there. 

OFY WIOA students get to choose a career path that guides the focus of their academic and occupational training while they’re with us. As an exclusive WIOA partner, we’re proud to offer these dynamic pathways to help you dream big and achieve your goals. Below is a summary of the WIOA Career Paths available to you:

• Health Science & Medical Technology

• Arts, Media & Entertainment

• Building & Construction Trades

• Education, Child Development & Family Services

• Energy, Environment & Utilities

• Engineering & Architecture

• Fashion & Interior Design

• Finance & Business

• Hospitality, Tourism & Recreation

• Information & Communication Technologies

• Manufacturing & Product Development

• Public Services

• Transportation

• Agriculture & Natural Resources

• Marketing, Sales & Service

Learn more about OFY WIOA Career paths. 

Our Commitment to Your Future

At OFY Acton and Duarte, workforce readiness is the foundation of our educational mission. By integrating WIOA programming into every aspect of student learning, we ensure that our graduates leave us not only with a diploma but with the skills, confidence, and knowledge they need to thrive in today’s workforce.