The purpose of the MSFW youth program is to provide an effective and comprehensive array of educational opportunities, employment skills, and life enhancement activities to at-risk and out-of-school MSFW youth that lead to success in school, economic stability and development into productive members of society.

The MSFW youth program is funded under WIA section 127(b)(1)(A)(iii) to provide farmworker youth activities under the auspices of WIA section 167. These funds are specifically earmarked for MSFW youth. Funds provided for the section 167 program may also be used for youth, but are not limited to this age group.

(a) This subpart applies only to the administration of grants for MSFW youth programs funded under WIA section 127(b)(1)(A)(iii).

(b) The regulations for the NFJP in this part apply to the administration of the MSFW youth program, except as modified in this subpart.

Any entity that meets the requirements described in the SGA may apply for designation as an “MSFW youth program grantee” consistent with requirements described in the SGA. The Department gives special consideration to an entity in any service area for which the entity has been designated as a WIA section 167 NFJP program grantee.

(a) To apply for designation as an MSFW youth program grantee, entities must respond to an SGA by submitting a plan that meets the requirements of WIA section 167(c)(2) and describes a two-year strategy for meeting the needs of eligible MSFW youth in the service area the entity seeks to serve.

(b) The designation process is conducted competitively (subject to § 669.210) through a selection process distinct from the one used to select WIA section 167 NFJP grantees.

The allocation of funds among entities designated as WIA section 167 MSFW Youth Program grantees is based on the comparative merits of the applications, in accordance with criteria set forth in the SGA. However, we may include criteria in the SGA that promote a geographical distribution of funds and that encourages both large- and small-scale programs.

The required planning documents and other required information and the submission dates for filing are described in the SGA.

Disadvantaged youth, ages 14 through 21, who are individually eligible or are members of eligible families under the WIA section 167 NFJP may receive these services.

(a) Based on an evaluation and assessment of the needs of MSFW youth participants, grantees may provide activities and services to MSFW youth that include:

(1) Intensive services and training services, as described in §§ 669.400 and 669.410;

(2) Life skills activities which may include self and interpersonal skills development;

(3) Community service projects;

(4) Small business development technical assistance and training in conjunction with entrepreneurial training;

(5) Supportive services including the related assistance services, described in § 669.430; and

(b) Other activities and services that conform to the use of funds for youth activities described in 20 CFR part 664.