Title
Authorization to Accept Grant Funding from Phoenix Parks Foundation to Implement Phoenix Youth Reach and Invest in Summer Employment (R.I.S.E.) Program (Ordinance S-51751) - Citywide
Description
Request to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to accept grant funding from the Phoenix Parks Foundation (PPF) to implement the Phoenix Youth Reach and Invest in Summer Employment (R.I.S.E.) program. Further request to authorize the City Treasurer to accept and City Controller to disburse funds related to this item.
Report
Summary
R.I.S.E. provides short-term employment opportunities for youth ages 16 to 24 residing in the City of Phoenix by connecting their interests with work experiences at Phoenix businesses during the summer. Phoenix City Council approved the creation of the Summer Youth Work Experience in May 2006 via Ordinance S-32780. In June 2014, the program’s name changed to Phoenix Youth R.I.S.E. Since 2016, City Council has approved $250,000 of General Funds to support R.I.S.E. each year. In 2018, JPMorganChase (Chase) invited the City to apply for funding to support the R.I.S.E. and has consistently supported it each year since. The Chase funding must flow through a non-profit service provider. The PPF currently serves as a non-profit to receive these funds from Chase and disburses the funding to the City.
In March 2021, City Council authorized contracts with Neighborhood Ministries, Inc. (NM) and the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) for youth workforce services. NM and YMCA are also service providers for R.I.S.E. Their roles encompass a range of crucial activities, including participant recruitment, employer engagement, work site coordination, and the provision of support services to participants. NM and the YMCA will work closely with local businesses to secure internship opportunities and provide training for work site supervisors to ensure a positive and enriching experience for youth participants. Additionally, they will review participant applications, deliver work readiness training to eligible youth, and facilitate the placement of individuals in paid internships with Phoenix employers. PPF plays a pivotal role in supporting R.I.S.E. by distributing the Chase funds to supplement the program's resources, enabling the expansion of services and the delivery of additional youth-focused initiatives to further enhance the program's impact within the community.
R.I.S.E. is supported by Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) grant funding, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor. The long-term sustainability plan for R.I.S.E. focuses on integrating this service delivery model with the City's existing youth workforce service providers. Through contacts with Phoenix based youth nonprofits, contracted by the Phoenix Business and Workforce Development Board, R.I.S.E. aims to strengthen the talent pipeline aligning with business needs while offering meaningful work exploration opportunities for the City's youth.
Current program goals include:
• Recruit employers and provide training for work site supervisors.
• Establish 50 work site locations in Phoenix to meet program participant needs and reduce transportation barriers.
• Review a minimum of 176 participant applications.
• Offer work readiness training to 176 youth.
• Place 150 youth in paid internship opportunities with Phoenix employers.
• Provide four weeks/80 hours of work experience to participants.
• Provide support services to reduce barriers.
• Provide incentives to program participants.
In 2024, the YMCA-Maryvale had 81 youth participate and 75 youth successfully completed 80 hours; NM had 82 youth participate and 70 youth successfully completed 80 hours. In total, the 2024 Summer R.I.S.E. program had 163 youth participate in the work experience, with 145 youth completing the full 80 hours. More than 80 employers representing various industry sectors, including technology, health care, government, nonprofit, machinery manufacturing and retail, participated in 2024.
Financial Impact
General Funds have already been allocated for this program in the amount of $250,000. Chase will contribute an additional $125,000 directly to PPF, and PPF will pay the City for additional youth services.
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
In March 2021, City Council authorized the City to contract with NM and the YMCA for youth workforce development services under Ordinance S-47403.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager John Chan and the Community and Economic Development Department.