May 21, 2019 | Testimony/Comments | Kisha Bird

Kisha Bird Testifies Before the U. S. House of Representatives

Kisha Bird testified at the House Committee on Education and Labor hearing “Eliminating Barriers to Employment: Opening Doors to Opportunity.”

Youth Employment

Communities Collaborating to Reconnect Youth (CCRY)

Oct 21, 2016 | Report/Brief | Kisha Bird

Employment Pathways for Boys and Young Men of Color: Solutions and Strategies That Can Make a Difference

Oct 29, 2019 | Blog Post | Duy Pham

Advancing Economic Justice for Youth Justice Action Month

Young people who have early work experience are more likely to finish school, work consistently throughout adulthood, and earn higher wages. However, low-income youth (particularly youth of color) have limited access to social networks and opportunities like summer and year-round employment that help them understand the world of work, earn decent wages, and master work readiness skills. That’s why CLASP helps states and communities leverage the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, as well as other education and training policies, to help low-income youth access employment and training.

Featured Expert:

Kisha Bird

Director of Youth Policy

Youth Employment

New from CLASP

April 3, 2020 | Blog Post | Criminal Justice

COVID-19 Response Must Include Youth and Adults Impacted by the Criminal Justice System

March 27, 2020 | Blog Post | Youth and Young Adults

Next Coronavirus package must do more for youth and young adults

October 29, 2019 | Blog Post | Criminal Justice

Advancing Economic Justice for Youth Justice Action Month

August 29, 2019 | Blog Post | Young Men and Women of Color

Resilience and Resistance: Responding to the Moment of Now, Building Safe and Hopeful Communities

August 29, 2019 | Blog Post | Young Men and Women of Color

Reflecting, Renewing, and Responding to Overcome 400 years of Oppression

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) governs federal workforce training programs. Under WIOA, states are required to spend 75 percent of funds on out-of-school youth. That's a significant increase over the previous law. States should seize the moment to develop innovative programs that help young people succeed economically.

WIOA Game Plan for Low-Income People