What Is WIOA?

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) is a federal law that funds career training for adults, dislocated workers, and youth across the United States. It is administered in Indiana through the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) and delivered locally through WorkOne career centers.

WIOA is not a loan. It does not need to be repaid. For eligible participants, it covers tuition, books, certification fees, and in some cases supportive services like transportation and childcare.

Who Qualifies?

WIOA has two main adult tracks:

Adult Program — for individuals 18 and older who are:

Unemployed or underemployed

Low-income (based on household size and income thresholds)

Receiving public assistance (SNAP, TANF, SSI, or similar)

Dislocated Worker Program — for individuals who have:

Been laid off or received a notice of layoff

Lost a job due to a plant closure or mass layoff

Left the military within the past 12 months

Income limits are higher for the Dislocated Worker track, and many people who do not qualify for the Adult Program qualify here.

What Does WIOA Cover at Elevate?

At Elevate for Humanity, WIOA funding can cover:

Tuition for approved programs (CNA, CDL, Medical Assistant, HVAC, and more)

Books and supplies

Certification exam fees (EPA 608, OSHA, WorkKeys, NHA, and others)

Supportive services — ask your WorkOne case manager about transportation and childcare assistance

How to Apply

1. Contact your local WorkOne center — find yours at workone.in.gov 2. Complete an intake assessment — WorkOne will determine your eligibility and funding level 3. Choose an approved program — Elevate is listed on Indiana's Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL) under Location ID 10004621 4. Enroll at Elevate — once your Individual Training Account (ITA) is approved, we handle the rest

The process typically takes 2–4 weeks from first contact to enrollment. Starting early matters — funding is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis each program year.

What If I Don't Qualify for WIOA?

If you do not qualify for WIOA, you may still be eligible for:

Workforce Ready Grant (WRG) — Indiana state grant for high-demand certifications

JRI (Justice Reinvestment Initiative) — for justice-involved individuals

Self-pay with BNPL — flexible payment plans through Affirm, Klarna, and Sezzle for programs not covered by grants

Check your eligibility or apply now to get started.