Title
Authorization to Accept and Disburse Grant Funding and Extend Contracts for Phoenix Youth Reach and Invest in Summer Employment (R.I.S.E.) Program (Ordinance S-52669) - Citywide
Description
Request to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to extend the contracts for the 2026 Phoenix Youth Reach and Invest in Summer Employment (R.I.S.E.) program with the Valley of the Sun Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) (Contract 160233) and Neighborhood Ministries, Inc. (Contract 160308) and to accept grant funding from the Phoenix Parks Foundation to implement the R.I.S.E. program. Further authorize the City Treasurer to accept, and City Controller to disburse, funds relating to this item.
Report
Summary
The R.I.S.E. program 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.
Since 2016, City Council has approved $250,000 of General Funds to support R.I.S.E. each year. In 2021, JPMorganChase (Chase) invited the City to apply for funding to support the R.I.S.E. program and has consistently provided each year. The Chase funding must flow through a non-profit service provider. The Phoenix Parks Foundation (PPF) supports the R.I.S.E. program by disbursing grant funds received from Chase to the City.
The Community and Economic Development Department previously contracted with the YMCA and Neighborhood Ministries to implement the R.I.S.E. program in 2024 and 2025. Their roles as R.I.S.E. service providers encompass a range of crucial activities, including participant recruitment, work readiness training, employer engagement, work site coordination, payroll activities, and the provision of support services to program participants. If this request is approved, these providers will support the 2026 R.I.S.E. program.
The R.I.S.E. program aims to provide meaningful work experiences for Phoenix youth by recruiting employers and training work site supervisors, establishing 50 work site locations across the City to meet participant needs, and reviewing at least 176 applications. The program offers work readiness training to 176 youth, places 150 participants in paid internship opportunities with Phoenix employers, and provides four weeks/80 hours of hands-on-work experience. In addition, R.I.S.E. delivers support services to reduce barriers and ensure participants can successfully complete the program.
Contract Term
If this request is approved, the contracts with YMCA and Neighborhood Ministries will be extended for one year through April 2027.
Financial Impact
General Funds have been allocated for this program in the amount of $250,000. If grant funding is secured, Chase will contribute an additional $125,000 directly to the PPF, and PPF will pay the City for additional youth services. This additional $125,000 adds to the City's $250,000 for a total of $375,000 for the R.I.S.E. program.
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
In March 2021, City Council authorized the City to contract with Neighborhood Ministries and the YMCA for youth workforce development services under Ordinance S-47403.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Assistant City Manager Ginger Spencer and the Community and Economic Development Department.