Who is an eligible participant?

(a) Eligibility criteria. Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, an individual is eligible to participate in a YouthBuild program if the individual is: (1) Not less than age 16 and not more than age 24 on the date of enrollment; (2) A school dropout or an individual who has dropped out of school and has subsequently reenrolled; and (3) Is one or more of the following: (i) A member of a low-income family; (ii) A youth in foster care; (iii) An offender; (iv) A youth who is an individual with a disability; (v) The child of a current or formerly incarcerated parent; or (vi) A migrant youth. (b) Exceptions. Not more than 25 percent of the participants in a program, under this section, may be individuals who do not meet the requirements of paragraph (a)(2) or (3) of this section, if such individuals: (1) Are basic skills deficient, as defined in § 688.120, despite attainment of a secondary school diploma or its recognized State equivalent (including recognized certificates of attendance or similar documents for individuals with disabilities); or (2) Have been referred by a local secondary school for participation in a YouthBuild program leading to the attainment of a secondary school diploma if such referral is to a YouthBuild program offering a secondary school diploma.