This report provides an overview of federal employment programs for vulnerable young people. It begins with a discussion of the current challenges in preparing all youth today for the workforce. The report then provides a chronology of job training and employment programs for at-risk youth that began in the 1930s and were expanded or modified from the 1960s through the 1990s. It goes on to discuss the four youth programs authorized under WIA, and draws comparisons between these programs. Following this section is a detailed discussion of each of the programs. Where applicable, the report discusses how the programs will change under WIOA.