Policy Chapters and Sections

Eligibility Requirements for Out-of-School Youth (OSY)

Chapter: 5 Section: 4.1
Effective Date: 6/30/2016
Expiration Date: Continuing
Published Date: 9/17/2026 2:09:17 PM
Status: Current
Version: 5

Tags: Eligibility

  1. To be provided services under the youth funding stream as an out-of-school youth, the individual must be:
    1. Not attending any school;
    2. Not younger than age sixteen (16) or older than age twenty-four (24); and
    3. One (1) or more of the following: 
      1. A school dropout as defined by the state;
      2. Within the age of compulsory school attendance but has not attended school for at least the most recent complete school year calendar quarter as defined by the school district and the applicable school based on the student’s residence or assignment;
      3. A recipient of a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent who is a low-income individual and is:
        1. Basic skills deficient (20 CFR 681.290): or
        2. An English language learner.
      4. Subject to the juvenile or adult justice system;
      5. Homeless individuals, a homeless child or youth, a runaway, in foster care or has aged out of the foster care system, a child eligible for assistance under Section 477 of the Social Security Act (42 USC 677), or in an out-of-home placement;
      6. Pregnant or parenting;
      7. An individual with a disability;
      8. A low-income individual requiring additional assistance to enter or complete an educational program or to secure or hold employment.
  2. For individuals required to attend school under applicable state compulsory school attendance laws, the priority of assistance shall be for the individual to attend school regularly.