TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute all documents with the County of Los Angeles to receive $773,000 to operate a Youth Jobs Program that will assist approximately 396 youth, ages 14-24; and execute any subsequent amendments. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The Los Angeles County of Board of Supervisors (County) authorized funding for the seven Los Angeles County Workforce Development Boards and other Service Providers to continue facilitating this year’s youth employment opportunities for qualifying youth. The County recently notified Pacific Gateway that it is to receive additional funds in the amount of $773,000 to augment its current strategies and serve an additional 396 eligible youth for the 2015 Youth Jobs Program. Eligible youth populations will include youth from low-income families and those connected to the probation, foster and/or public assistance systems, with a majority being recipients of cash aid under California Work Opportunity & Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) and maintaining age-specific school attendance requirements determined by the State of California.
The Youth Jobs Program (YJP) is designed to provide paid work experience opportunities and work readiness skills to qualified youth. The goal of the program is to introduce youth participants to the workplace, gain valuable employment skills and earn an income. The program also provides youth participants with incentives to stay in school, maintain a good academic standing, and learn about a viable career pathway. Eligible youth may work an average of 125 hours during their participation in the program, while earning skills, experience, and wages. In partnership with Unified School Districts, Probation Department, and Los Angeles County Office of Education, the program will expose youth to opportunities in industries with an emphasis in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
The County will help facilitate youth outreach, deploying an automated database solution for Pacific Gateway to utilize for enrollments. Pacific Gateway will lead work site development efforts across its service delivery area, and will be responsible for work readiness training, quality assurance oversight, payroll, and case management of the trainees.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Kendra Carney on July 14, 2015 and by Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on July 17, 2015.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on August 18, 2015, in order to facilitate processing of required documents.
FISCAL IMPACT
The Youth Jobs Program grant of $773,000 is funded by the Temporary Assistance for Needy Family Funds (TANF) and County General Funds through a grant from the County of Los Angeles. Sufficient funding is currently budgeted in the Community Development Grants Fund (SR 150) in the Department of Human Resources (HR). No City matching funds or in-kind services are required. Approval of this item will result in placement of approximately 396 youth into temporary employment.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
DEBORAH R. MILLS
DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER