8DELTA WORKFORCE INVESTMENT AREA YOUTH POLICYINCENTIVES I. INTRODUCTION This policy sets forth contractor guidelines for the use of incentives to youth enrolled in the Workforce Investment Act programs. In accordance with Section 129 (a) (5) of the Workforce Investment Act, funds for youth activities may be used to provide incentives for recognition and achievement to eligible youth.For years, many employment and training youth practitioners found that motivating youth to attend class and remain in the program was the most difficult aspect of the program. Therefore, practitioners recognized the value of providing incentives to at-risk youth as a reward for performance. It is important for youth to have their efforts acknowledged and to have some tangible evidence of success. Financial incentives as well as other forms of recognition provide an important form of reinforcement for at risk youth. II. INCENTIVE SPECIFICATIONS To be allowable, incentives awarded to youth will adhere to the specifications outlined in this policy. The youth participant will meet the incentive criteria specified in Section III of this policy. Incentives that may be awarded through the provisions of this policy include financial and recognition awards. A description of each incentive is included in Section III.A. The contractor will provide incentives only to those youth who:(1) are eligible for and registered in the youth program; and(2) meet the incentive criteria. Revised 06/08III. REQUIREMENTSA.DESCRIPTION OF INCENTIVES1.Vendor Clothing Voucher This award will be directly linked to work readiness activities. The contractor may award a vendor clothing voucher to an eligible youth participant who has mastered all work readiness skills, exhibited excellent performance in work experience activities, maintained punctual and regular attendance, and has three documented appointments for job interviews. Since it is expected that youth are prepared to engage in job search activities, the voucher may be used only toward the purchase of business clothing that is appropriate for job interviews. For male youth, such items may include casual business slacks, a blazer, dress shirt, necktie and shoes. For female youth, items may include a casual business skirt, dress pants, jacket or blazer, blouse and shoes. The voucher will be in the amount of seventy-five ($75.00) dollars and will be payable to a specified vendor where an account has been established. Each eligible youth customer may receive only one vendor clothing voucher during the program year. 2.Cash Incentive Payment The contractor may award a cash incentive payment in the amount of fifty dollars ($50.00) to an eligible participant who attains one educational functioning level of achievement. A participant may be awarded more than one cash incentive payment during the program year if more than one educational functioning level gain is achieved. The award may be made at the point of achievement. A participant is eligible to receive $200 when he or she passes the GED examination. A participant may also be eligible to receive up to $200 upon receipt of a State of Mississippi Career readiness Certificate.3. Recognition for Perfect Attendance The contractor may honor an eligible participant through special recognition activities such as certificates of recognition, and/or award ceremonies, when the participant has maintained punctual and perfect attendance or for GED recipients, the specified award period and demonstrated good conduct. This award may not exceed $25.4.Recognition for In School Senior SELECT ActivitiesThe contractor may award an eligible in school participant who completes the work readiness skills and work experience activities during the program year with an incentive award at a cost of not more than three hundred dollars ($300.00). The contractor may make this award in increments at the conclusion of quarterly activities during the school year. 5. Recognition for Outstanding Performance.The contractor may award an eligible in school or out of school participant who completes required work readiness, basic skills, or work experience activities in an exceptional manner and receives the written recommendation of his work site supervisor and of his classroom instructor as well as the project director. The maximum amount allowed for this award is twenty-five dollars ($25). B.CRITERIA FOR INCENTIVES AND DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTSThe contractor will award incentives to participants based on the following criteria and documentation:1.Criteria for Vendor Clothing Voucher A participant may be awarded a vendor voucher of seventy-five ($75.00) dollars when he or she: a.Masters the required number of the work readiness skills of the DWIA developed system of Work Readiness Skills. b.Exhibits excellent perfo