Who we serve

The Office of Workforce Development Out-of-School Youth Program (OSY) provides occupational skills training, career awareness counseling, work readiness modules, basic education, GED preparation, supported internship experiences, as well as vocational skills training. Out-Of-School programs serve youth ages 16- 24 who are no longer attending secondary or post-secondary school. OSY is a training vehicle that assists youth in achieving short and long term educational and employability goals through relevant occupational skills training and guidance.

Life Skills, Enrichment, Academics, Performance (LEAP)

The OSY LEAP program offers comprehensive job readiness training, certification in an industry-recognized field, and assistance with job placement. By utilizing a wraparound approach, LEAP ensures participants success throughout their time in the OSY program. Through LEAP, participants work closely with their case managers to receive personalized support while they are enrolled in the program.

Participant Advancement, Training, and Higher Education (PATH)

The PATH program provides occupational skills training, career awareness counseling, work readiness modules, basic education, GED preparation, supported internship experiences, as well as vocational skills training. It is a training vehicle that assists youth in achieving short and long-term educational and employability goals through relevant occupational skills training and guidance.

Participant Advancement and Career Enrichment (PACE)

The OSY PACE program is designed to support participants who may face learning challenges and require additional assistance before pursuing certification training. Through PACE, participants have the opportunity to engage in Enrichment training, obtain their GED certification, or achieve a High School accreditation. The program provides comprehensive wraparound services and ensures participants receive close guidance and support from their case manager.

Eligibility / Target Population

Out-of-school youth (OSY)

An OSY is an individual who is:

Not attending any school (as defined under State law);
Not younger than age 16 or older than age 24 at time of enrollment; and
One or more of the following:
1. A school dropout;
2. A youth who is within the age of compulsory school attendance, but has not attended school for at least the most recent complete school year calendar quarter;
3. A recipient of a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent who is a low-income individual and is either basic skills deficient or an English language learner;

Not attending any school (as defined under State law);
Not younger than age 16 or older than age 24 at time of enrollment; and
One or more of the following:
1. A school dropout;
2. A youth who is within the age of compulsory school attendance, but has not attended school for at least the most recent complete school year calendar quarter;
3. A recipient of a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent who is a low-income individual and is either basic skills deficient or an English language learner;

An offender;
A homeless individual, a homeless child or youth, or a runaway;
An individual in foster care or who has aged out of the foster care system or who has attained 16 years of age and left foster care for kinship guardianship or adoption, a child eligible for assistance under sec. 477 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 677), or in an out-of-home placement;
An individual who is pregnant or parenting;
An individual with a disability; or
A low-income individual who requires additional assistance to enter or complete an educational program or to secure or hold employment.

What to expect

Start by completing an intake to help us understand your eligibility and goals. Then, take an assessment and based on your results, we’ll match you to the best-fit program to help you move forward in your career with confidence and clarity.

Get Started!

If you would like additional information on the Out of School Youth program please utilize this link and schedule a session with an intake specialist who will guide you through OSY programs and enrollment.

Be a partner

Interested in partnering with us as a training provider or Host Employer?  

Reach out to Dr. Wilkins at carman.wilkins@dc.gov.

Schedule a Session

Click to Schedule