CLASP is committed to making WIOA work. That’s why we’ve developed short, action-focused memos outlining how states, local areas, advocates, and service providers can leverage opportunities to serve low-income youth and adults through state and local plans, policies and guidance, and budget choices.
Employer demand for skilled workers is rapidly increasing. This makes any form of postsecondary education—such as two- or four-year degrees, workforce training, short-term credentials, or apprenticeships—necessary to secure good jobs. However, many barriers block low-income people from postsecondary opportunities. That’s why CLASP advocates for federal policies that support postsecondary access and completion. We promote changes to the student aid and education delivery systems to remove many of these barriers. These include building quality career pathways and addressing students’ unmet financial need by making necessary reforms to Pell grants and technical education, promoting access to public benefits, and leveraging opportunities in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.