TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute contracts totaling $1,029,073, with service providers to operate Workforce Investment Act Youth Academies, for the period of October 1, 2009 through March 30, 2011; and to execute any needed subsequent amendments. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The Workforce Investment Network (Network) operates the Youth Opportunity Center to facilitate assistance with education completion, access to career and technical education and training, participation in internships and other work-based experiences.
To maximize outreach in the communities covered by the Network and to deliver many of the above services prescribed by the Workforce Investment Act, the Network contracts with qualified community-based and educational institutions to deliver many of these intensive academic and vocational training program elements.
The Network has existing contracts with six providers for such Youth Academy Projects. In anticipation of additional services needed for youth residing in Network's area, the Workforce Investment Board's Youth Council released a Request for Proposals to identify projects and service providers for the period of October 1, 2009 through March 30, 2011. The procurement focused on projects to serve youth who are economically disadvantaged and possess various barriers to completing an educational program or securing and retaining employment. Proposals were required to provide:
· Collaborative partnerships with education, business, labor, social services and community-based organizations to provide strong career pathways strategies
· Academic achievement and improvement, especially for youth who are basic skills deficient or in need of returning to school
· Education (short- and long-term vocational training) and work experience strategies tied to industry needs that expose, prepare and place youth in high growth, high-demand industries
· Sufficient supportive services and resources to ensure youth success
Four ...
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