Title
Authorization to Accept Grant Funding From Phoenix Parks Foundation to Implement Phoenix Youth Reach and Invest in Summer Employment Program (Ordinance S-50771)
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 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. The program was originally adopted by City Council in May 2006 as the Summer Youth Work Experience program. Since its inception, program funding has fluctuated from being federally funded through the City’s Community Development Block Grant funds, incorporated into the City’s general fund budget, and leveraged with investments from private partners. Since 2016, the City Council has approved $250,000 annually in general fund for the R.I.S.E. program. In 2021, JPMorgan Chase (Chase) invited PPF to apply for funding in support of the R.I.S.E program, and has consistently supported it each summer.
The Community and Economic Development Department (CED) will use two existing youth workforce development service providers, Neighborhood Ministries, Inc. (NM) and the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA), to implement the program. Their roles as R.I.S.E. service providers cover a range of crucial activities, including participant recruitment, employer engagement, work site coordination, and the provision of support services to program participants. NM and the YMCA will work closely with Phoenix 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.
Furthermore, the PPF will play a pivotal role in supporting the R.I.S.E. program by managing and disbursing grant funds received from Chase. These funds will 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. supports and leverages 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 is to integrate this service delivery model with the City's existing youth workforce development service providers, for which the Phoenix Business and Workforce Development Board currently contracts with youth nonprofit organizations in Phoenix, to continue building a pipeline to meet businesses’ needs and offer work exploration to youth in Phoenix. The R.I.S.E. 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.
- Provide/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 program participants.
- Provide support services to reduce barriers.
- Provide incentives to program participants.
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 the PPF, and PPF will pay the City for additional youth services.
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
This item was recommended for approval at the Economic Development and Housing Subcommittee meeting on March 20, by a vote of 3-0. In March 2021, City Council authorized the City to contract with NM and the YMCA for youth workforce development services under Ordinance S-47403
Responsible Department
This item was submitted by Deputy City Manager John Chan and the Community and Economic Development Department.