Youth Services at American Job Center in North Riverside
Provide youth with GED Classes, Personalized career coaching, Job readiness workshops, Paid Work Experience, College counseling, Job search assistance, Job placement, Supportive services.
WIOA Youth offers out-of-school youth (16-24 years old) an opportunity to participate in a variety of programs and trainings that will assist them in obtaining employment. Cook County focused population 16years -24years of age
WIOA places heightened emphasis on the alignment of programs that serve out-of-school youth in order to ensure they obtain the skills necessary to prepare for successful workforce participation and continued educational achievement. GED is available after registering for the WIOA youth program, in efforts to bridge the gap and eliminate employment barriers. Cook County focused population 16years -24years of age
GED & Job Readiness
The GED program is a service offered through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) to eligible youth ages 16–24 who are not currently in school. It provides a pathway to a high school equivalency diploma, helping participants pursue higher education or full-time employment. Participants are referred to an American Job Center (AJC) location — such as the one in North Riverside — through local high schools or word of mouth. Job Readiness is a training component built into the WIOA enrollment process. It focuses on soft skills such as punctuality, professional communication, meeting deadlines, and teamwork. It’s a collaborative effort — participants are paired with a Career Coach, and it is formally included in the Individual Employment Plan under Section III of the Case File Cover Sheets. The GED service acts as a complement for those who still need a high school equivalency credential.
Youth must be able to prove Cook County residency, be between 16 and 24 years old, not currently enrolled in high school, college, or university, and be actively seeking full-time employment. Prospective participants meet with staff for a follow-up conversation to determine if a mentorship can be established.
