#

## § 2.2-2472.3 – Strategy for career pathways for opportunity youth

##

A. As used in this section, “opportunity youth” means individuals between the ages of 16 and 24 who are (i) homeless, in foster care, or involved in the justice system or (ii) neither gainfully employed nor enrolled in an educational institution.

B. Local workforce development boards, in consultation with local chief elected officials; secondary and postsecondary education institutions, business leaders, and local community organizations, including youth organizations, shall develop focused strategies for engaging opportunity youth and placing them on pathways to education, training, and careers. The key focus of the strategy shall be actions that lead to retention, credential attainment, and gainful employment.

C. Each local workforce development board shall develop a strategic plan that includes performance measures for evaluating results of the implementation of the strategies developed pursuant to subsection B. The plan shall be submitted to the Secretary of Labor annually on or before November 30.