Auburn University's WIOA Grant Program Enhancing Workforce Development Comes to a Close

AUBURN, AL – Sept 27, 2024 -Auburn University's dedicated efforts to bolster workforce development in Alabama have reached a milestone as the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) grant program draws to a close after 3 years of the Auburn University Success Plus Youth Program being held in Macon and Bullock County Schools.

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, signed into law in July 2014, aimed to revolutionize workforce development by promoting coordination and alignment of key employment, education, and training programs at all levels. Designed to increase employment, retention, and earnings, WIOA has been instrumental in improving the quality of the workforce and enhancing economic self-sufficiency.

Under the direction of the AU Center for Educational Outreach and Engagement (CEOE), Auburn University was rewarded a renewable three-year grant to partner with the Macon and Bullock County Career Technical Education Centers. This partnership has allowed Auburn University to provide supplemental programs that align with CEOE's mission to enhance the development of K-12 schools in Alabama.

The Auburn University Success Plus Youth Program (AUSPP) tailored to enrich the education and employability skills of youth across Macon and Bullock Counties. In collaboration with Macon County Schools, Bullock County Schools, and the Black Belt Community Foundation, AUSPP offers a comprehensive curriculum, field-expert guest speakers, and seminar sessions aimed at preparing students for the workforce.

The Auburn University WIOA Supplemental Program encompasses eight categories, including Employability Skills, Entrepreneurial Skills Training, Global Communications Skills Training, Adult Mentoring, Counseling, Campus Career Visits, Guest Speakers, and Financial Literacy. These diverse offerings equip participants with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in today's competitive job market.

Reflecting on her experience in the program, Ja’Nyiah Middleton, a senior participant who graduated in May, shares her journey: " I have absolutely loved the different sessions we have participated in because it gave me a chance to express myself and feel comfortable around others. This program, as a whole, brought light to my life and made me feel like I had a voice for myself and could stand up for myself. This program has taught me about coping strategies, job skills, communication skills, future aspirations and more. The field trips were very educational allowing you to get an inside look on the career you may want to pursue. For me it was the nursing field so being able to get some insight on the different things used in classes and information was very helpful. Being in this program taught me to explore different opportunities out there and don’t just narrow my abilities down to one thing. Always strive to reach my full potential."

As the WIOA grant program concluded in May, Auburn University remains committed to fostering a skilled and empowered workforce in Alabama. While this chapter has ended, the impact of the program will continue to resonate within communities for years to come, empowering individuals like Ja’Nyiah to pursue their dreams and reach their full potential. Additionally, CEOE will partner with the Auburn University College of Agriculture to continue to provide career and technical programming for Bullock County high school students interested in the agriculture industry.

For more information on Auburn University's ongoing initiatives in workforce development, please visit https://auburn.edu/outreach/ceoe/ or contact Ryan Moss at rmm0101@auburn.edu.

Quote from Dr. Anna-Margaret Goldman, director, CEOE
“When polled about plans after high school, I was delighted to hear that almost every participant has plans to attend post-secondary or has a job. To me, that is a testament to WIOA working in students’ lives to provide college and career pathways and the skills they need to succeed after high school.”