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:
Not less than age 16 and not more than age 24 on the date of enrollment;
A school dropout or an individual who has dropped out of school and has subsequently reenrolled; and
Is one or more of the following:
A member of a low-income family;
A youth in foster care;
An offender;
A youth who is an individual with a disability;
The child of a current or formerly incarcerated parent; or
A migrant youth.
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:
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
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.