It’s the middle of winter, but summer will be here before we know it.
WorkSource Montgomery is working now to identify a community-based organization to launch an innovative summer program that will provide career pathway opportunities for disconnected youth in Montgomery County, from ages 16 to 24.
WSM recently announced that up to $100,000 in funding is available to support an innovative proposal that will connect “Opportunity Youth” to substantial career pathways with a lasting impact on their future economic success. Community-based organizations (CBOs) create impact through the intensive work they are undertaking to connect youth with opportunities. These organizations have been invited to apply for funding to design and implement a program that addresses the needs of Montgomery County disconnected youth with effective support and access to lasting opportunities.
In 2017, WSM envisioned and implemented Summer RISE, a unique, three-week work experience for high school students. While not a summer employment program, Summer RISE was designed to provide students with a valuable educational experience. Starting in 2019, the Summer RISE program will be managed by Montgomery County Public Schools, with technical support from WorkSource Montgomery. The program’s transfer to MCPS provided WSM with an opportunity to launch a new program that specifically focuses on tapping the strengths of “Opportunity Youth.”
To identify and secure such a partner, WorkSource Montgomery issued a Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI), in order to identify and select one organization qualified to implement a summer career-focused program for qualified disconnected youth (ages 16-24) in Montgomery County.
“We continue to be impressed with the good work that many of our community-based organizations are doing to help young people who need the support to get reconnected and back on a career path,” said Ellie Giles, CEO of WorkSource Montgomery. “This request for Requests for Expressions of Interest is an opportunity for such organizations to explore innovative approaches and put their ideas into action, in support of our young adults.”
In addition to an awarded grant from the Maryland Department of Labor (DLLR), WorkSource Montgomery resources through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) may be available to support eligible program participants and to enhance sustainable career pathway programming. Proposals that include leveraged resources are encouraged.
Proposals in response to this REOI are due by January 31. For complete details, visit the WSM website.