Quick answer: WIOA, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, is a federal law that funds job search help, career services and job training across the U.S. It runs through local America's Job Centers (called AJCCs in California). People often call it a "WIOA grant," but it is not a check you apply for. It is funding a local career advisor can use to support approved training and services, if you are eligible.
What does WIOA stand for?
WIOA stands for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, a federal law passed in 2014. It helps job seekers build skills for good jobs and helps employers find skilled workers.
The three main WIOA programs
Adult program: job search help and training for adults. Priority goes to public assistance recipients, other low-income individuals, and people who are basic skills deficient.
Dislocated Worker program: helps people who lost their jobs through layoffs, closures or changes in their industry get back to work quickly.
Youth program: helps young people finish a high school diploma or equivalent, build leadership skills and gain paid or unpaid work experience.
What can WIOA funding pay for?
Depending on your plan and local funding, WIOA can support:
Career advice and planning, including an Individual Employment Plan
Job search help and job market information
Training with approved providers on the Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL)
Work experience, such as internships with approved worksites
Is a "WIOA grant" free money?
Not exactly. There is no general WIOA grant application for individuals. You work with an AJCC career advisor, who confirms eligibility and decides with you whether training funding fits your plan. Funding depends on local budgets and on choosing an approved training program.
How to get WIOA help in San Bernardino County
Create a free CalJOBS account at caljobs.ca.gov.
Contact your nearest AJCC: San Bernardino (909-382-0440), Victorville (760-552-6550) or Rancho Cucamonga (909-941-6500).
Meet with a career advisor and gather the documents they request.
For the full walkthrough, read How to Apply for WIOA Online in San Bernardino County.
How The Ayangbah Foundation fits in
The Ayangbah Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in downtown San Bernardino offering career training in person and live online. Our 40-hour Career Readiness & Entrepreneurship certificate was built for the WIOA Eligible Training Provider List, and our application is in progress. We are an approved work-experience worksite with San Bernardino County Workforce Development and have hosted 10 interns so far. Our staff help every applicant check WIOA eligibility and register in CalJOBS.
Frequently asked questions
What is WIOA in simple terms?
A federal program that pays for job search help, career services and approved job training through local job centers.
Who qualifies for WIOA?
It depends on the program. Adult services give priority to low-income individuals, public assistance recipients and people with basic skills needs. Laid-off workers may qualify as dislocated workers, and the Youth program serves young people. Your AJCC confirms eligibility.
Is WIOA only in California?
No. WIOA is a federal program available in every state through local American Job Centers.
Where can I get help understanding WIOA?
Call or text The Ayangbah Foundation at (909) 454-7076, join a free info session any Monday at 5 PM, or apply now.