Aug232023
Blackstone NewsBlogFeaturedopportunity

5 Step Simple Breakdown of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)

Finding employment can sometimes feel daunting and knowing which career path best suits one’s skill set and passions can make it difficult to narrow down a specific niche. Nevertheless, Blackstone Career Institute seeks to connect individuals with courses that are affordable, approved, and aligned.

One of the newest ways you can get started on a career course with Blackstone is through finding out if you qualify to receive assistance from the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act for one of Blackstone’s courses.

What is the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)?

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act was implemented in 2014 to bridge the gap between workers and employment. Its goal is to assist job seekers locate employment, education, or training so they can contribute their expertise and skill set in a work environment, which benefits the employee and betters the economy.

The WIA was the previous act instituted before WIOA. Under the new legislation, WIOA wants to strengthen the American Job Center System by bridging the gap between potential employees who are experiencing significant setbacks and barriers to employment. The goal is to not only provide resources for individuals to obtain employment but to encourage employment retention.

Who is eligible for WIOA?

There are specific requirements that must be met in order to qualify for assistance under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. The eligibility guidelines listed below are specific to the state of Pennsylvania.

For more information on other states, please reach out to your specific state career link center online.

In Pennsylvania, those seeking WIOA tuition assistance, must. . .

  • Be a U.S. citizen or provide proof of documentation of their eligibility to work in the U.S.
  • Have a social security number
  • Complete PA CareerLink enrollment, which includes uploading a resume and job preferences
  • Must be income eligible* or a dislocated worker*
  • Must have a high school diploma or GED
  • Must not have a marketable or in-demand skill for employment
  • Must receive a minimum WorkKeys score based on the area you are seeking employment in
  • Must meet training entry requirements, complete training within twenty four months, and find full-time training related employment after finishing the program

*For more details on what qualifies someone as income eligible or a dislocated worker, please visit the eligibility page on the PA CareerLink website here.

What is the process for applying for WIOA tuition assistance?

Visit the PA CareerLink website here to fill out the form and watch an introductory video to start the process for applying for assistance with WIOA.

You can also visit the resources listed below to get started on applying for WIOA tuition assistance. It will be important to work with your Career Counselor, who will help guide you along each step and make sure you meet eligibility requirements and provide necessary documentation to get started. Each of these links will provide an overview on the training and direct you to your local workforce center.

How can Blackstone Career Institute help you achieve your career goals with WIOA?

Blackstone Career Institute is committed to helping you achieve your career goals by providing online, self-paced, and open enrollment courses that fit your needs as a student and job seeker. Blackstone’s courses are approved by the DEAC, aligned to up-to-date course curriculum, and affordable with various payment plans to meet your specific needs.

Blackstone is also approved as WIOA eligible in Pennsylvania and Colorado. In addition, tuition prices are at an affordable rate and below the $4,000 WIOA funding allotment. This means that individuals who qualify for WIOA assistance can use the remaining funds they obtain from WIOA to purchase technology equipment such as a laptop to satisfactorily complete the course. If there is still funding left over, participants can use the monies to pursue additional career training.

What courses are WIOA eligible at Blackstone Career Institute?

Regardless of what career path engages you, there are options to pursue to fit your skills.

Listed below are the 7 WIOA approved, BCI online career training courses that are also listed on the Educational Provider Training List for the state of PA:

Still have questions?

You can speak with an admissions representative at Blackstone Career Institute who can provide details on the online career courses available to you and direct you to the correct resources to get started if you think you qualify for assistance with WIOA.