TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute all documents with the County of Los Angeles to receive $386,600 to operate a Youth Jobs Program that will assist approximately 105 youth, ages 16-18; and to execute any needed subsequent amendments. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The Los Angeles County of Board of Supervisors authorized funding for the six Los Angeles County Workforce Investment 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 of $386,600 to augment its current strategies and serve an additional 105 eligible youth for the 2015 Youth Jobs Program. Eligible youth must be receiving benefits as part of the California Work Opportunity & Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) household 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. Eligible youth may work an average of 250 hours during their participation in the program, while earning skills, experience, and wages. Youth may work up to 10 hours per week during the school year with the possibility of working additional hours when school is out. In addition, youth would be exposed to hands-on activities through the year that will require the youth to conduct research on and off the job, prepare and maintain an individual service plan and ultimately develop a digital portfolio. 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 of Los Angeles 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 four cities, 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 and by Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on February 26, 2015.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on March 17, 2015, in order to facilitate processing of required documents.
FISCAL IMPACT
The Youth Jobs Program grant of $386,600 is funded by the Temporary Assistance for Needy Family Funds through a grant from the County of Los Angeles. The 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 105 youth into temporary employment.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
DEBORAH R. MILLS
DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER