Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Youth Program Allotments for Program Year (PY) 2026.

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Adult, Dislocated Worker, and Youth Activities Program Allotments, along with Wagner-Peyser Employment Service Program allotments and Workforce Information Grants, are administered by the U.S. Department of Labor through the Employment and Training Administration. This funding opportunity is issued as formal guidance to state workforce agencies and outlying areas, outlining the distribution and use of federal workforce development funds for Program Year 2026. The initiative is rooted in federal legislation including the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and the Wagner-Peyser Act, with appropriations provided through the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026. The primary purpose of this funding is to support workforce development systems across the United States by allocating formula-based funding to states and territories. These funds are intended to enhance employment and training services for adults, dislocated workers, and youth populations, while also supporting employment service activities and labor market information systems. The program emphasizes improving job placement, career readiness, and workforce participation through coordinated state and local workforce strategies. Funding is distributed through formula allotments based on labor market indicators such as unemployment levels, disadvantaged populations, and labor force data. The funding includes multiple streams: Youth Activities, Adult Activities, Dislocated Worker Activities, Employment Service programs, and Workforce Information Grants. States are permitted to reserve a portion of funds for statewide activities, including program administration, evaluation, and workforce system improvements. Certain restrictions apply, such as salary caps aligned with federal executive pay levels and limitations on fund transfers between program categories unless explicitly authorized. Eligibility for this funding is limited to state workforce agencies and designated outlying areas, including territories such as Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These entities must follow prescribed allocation formulas and comply with federal reporting and financial management requirements. Outlying areas may apply for consolidated grants covering multiple funding streams, subject to approval and adherence to specific submission procedures. States are also required to distribute a majority of funds to local workforce areas in accordance with approved state plans. The application process requires submission of an SF-424 Application for Federal Assistance through Grants.gov for each funding stream. Applicants must include accurate funding amounts as specified in the allotment tables and ensure compliance with registration requirements in the System for Award Management. The submission process is standardized but may be complex, requiring coordination across multiple funding streams and adherence to federal grant management protocols. Technical assistance is available through designated federal contacts and support systems. The timeline for this funding cycle begins with the release of guidance on April 28, 2026, and requires submission of applications within 30 days of issuance. Funds are made available in phases, with Youth funds accessible starting April 1, 2026, and Adult and Dislocated Worker funds released in July and October 2026. Recipients must adhere to quarterly financial reporting requirements and maintain compliance throughout the grant period. This funding opportunity is recurring annually, aligning with federal budget cycles and workforce program planning requirements.