An examination of disconnected youth participation and outcomes in US Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Title I Youth Programs

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) of 2014 authorizes programs targeting marginalized youth. However, no peer‐reviewed studies have used national data to examine participation and outcomes specifically for disconnected youth (DY). Utilizing PY 2021 US Department of Labor performance data, this comprehensive study found that 62.3% of all active participants were disconnected at program entry, though rates varied by state (e.g., Indiana: 35.0%; California: 74.7%). Disconnection at entry was associated with significant barriers to participation, including foster care or legal system involvement, experiencing homelessness, or having lower educational attainment. Logistic regression results showed that, even after controlling for other sociodemographics, DY active participants had significantly lower odds of gaining recognized credentials or post‐program employment compared to out‐of‐school youth who were working at entry. This suggests that systematic disadvantages persist despite WIOA Youth services. Implications for future research, policy, and professional practice that might better support this population are presented.