The Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA) is a federally funded program that provides assistance to eligible individuals so they can acquire skills to become competitive in the local job market and meet the needs of employers. It serves 8 counties in Georgia. To be eligible, individuals must live in a served county, be a US citizen over 18, be enrolled full-time in an approved training program, and meet income guidelines. The program funds educational costs not covered by other aid and only approved occupational training programs. It does not have to be repaid. Contact information is provided for the WIOA office at Columbus Technical College.

1. Workforce Innovation &
Opportunity Act (WIOA)
Lower Chattahoochee Workforce Development Area 14

2. What is WIOA?
 WIOA is a federally funded program designed to meet the needs of employers in
acquiring well trained, qualified job seekers.
 WIOA provides assistance to eligible individuals so that they can acquire the skills
needed to become competitive in the local labor market.
 Eligible individuals who are unemployed, underemployed, have barriers to employment,
or who have been laid off.
 WIOA is not an entitlement program

3. Lower Chattahoochee
Workforce Development Area 14
(Service area counties)*
 Chattahoochee
 Clay
 Harris
 Muscogee
 Quitman
 Randolph
 Stewart
 Talbot
*unless dislocation status applies

4. WIOA Eligibility
 Live in a county served in the Lower Chattahoochee Workforce Development Area
14
 U.S. Citizenship
 18 years old or older
 Full-time, regular admission status with satisfactory academic standing
 Enrolled in a WIOA funded diploma, degree, or certificate program
 Meet household income guidelines
 Must have a minimum of 2 semesters at time of WIOA enrollment
 Under federal guidelines, applicant must apply for HOPE & Pell

5. WIOA Eligibility (cont.)
 Must complete WIOA eligibility & screening process at GDOL (GA Dept. of Labor)
 Assessment testing at the GDOL

6. General Information
 WIOA will fund educational costs not covered by HOPE and Pell
 Skills training is only provided for occupational specific jobs and careers where
hourly rates and salaries are paid. Totally commission, fee-based careers such as
real estate, cosmetology, massage therapy and nail technicians are not approved
for funding
 WIOA funds are not a loan and will not have to be repaid
 Additional Info can be obtained by visiting the WIOA office at CTC (W.G. Hartline
Bldg. Rm. 156-B)

7. WIOA Contact Information at CTC
 Located in W.G. Hartline Building Rm. 156-B (Monday - Thursday, 8 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.)
 (706) 649-1856
 Jo-Ann Mays, WIOA Coordinator
MAKE YOURSELF COMPETITIVE IN THE WORKFORCE…Apply Today!

8. FAQs
How do I get started?
Visit the WIOA office at CTC (W.G. Hartline bldg. rm. 156-B)to begin application process.
Will WIOA allocated funds have to be repaid?
No.
Will WIOA fund more than one program of study?
No. WIOA only assists with one (1) program of study. Your choice is documented at the time of
intake/application, and on your Individual Employment Plan.
How do I apply for WIOA if I do not live in a county listed in the service area?
Contact the GDOL in the county in which you live.
Will WIOA pay for a laptop and other computer related supplies for me to use while in
training?
No. The following items are not provided by WIOA: computers, computer equipment, computer
program software, peripherals, electronic and wireless equipment.