posted by admin on Feb 3

HHS Assets for Independence – Spring Cycle Grant applications due March 25 – $19 million estimated funding for 55-65 grant awards

“Most young people stumble through their lives learning financial literacy by trial and error” – Jumpstart Coalition

There is a lack of financial literacy in the US of A to determine it an urgency… a crisis and non-profits are desperately needed to step up and think about offering financial literacy type of programs. Here is your chance with the Health and Human Services Assets for Independence Program (AFI).

The financial literacy concept in the Assets for Independence program provides five-year grants to nonprofit organizations — including faith-based organizations — and government agencies. The financial literacy programs should “empower low-income families to become economically self-sufficient for the long-term”.

AFI grantees provide financial education training on money management issues, and assist participants to save earned income in special accounts that are matched, sometimes, four dollars to each one dollar and are called Individual Development Accounts (IDAs).

Participants use the IDAs to accumulate funds with the goal of acquiring a first home, post-secondary education, or starting up or expanding a small business.
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posted by admin on Feb 2

Texas – one of the first states to approve Summer Youth Program…more states to come

The Texas Workforce Commission, has approved “stimulus” funds… (WIA – American Recovery Reinvestment Act (ARRA)… to implement “Summer Youth Programs”. TWC Staff has completed planning for this year’s Summer Youth Program. The plan has gone through the “bureaucratic” tiers- nonprofits…workforce board…state…fed…. “This year’s Summer Youth Program is poised to implement some great programs,“ said a TWC staffer.

So nonprofits, education, churches…START PLANNING!!!…Nonprofits that work with youth have a great opportunity to “co-enroll” youth with the “Summer Youth Program”… churches and education need to channel the youth to get enrolled quickly help get more information by contacting a workforce board staffer.

In the state of Texas there are 28 workforce boards that will receive the funds. The youth will receive money and other “perks” to participate…but most of the youth will receive work experience and instruction that teaches them the “right” workplace behavior…like “no pants on the ground”… ethical behavior… foundation skills.
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