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.

The Youth, have to be “low-income” – between the ages of 14 to 21…and they must fall within one category…deficient in basic literacy skills…school dropout…homeless/runaway/foster youth…pregnant or parenting, offender…or require additional assistance to complete school or to secure and hold employment.

For non-profits who want to receive funding one board…anticipating the TWC Commissioners approval has been working on a plan for procurement – Workforce Solutions-Capital Area …has been taking input from the public about the local need…even “blogging” asking for participation.

Some of the 28 boards will procure…others will open existing contracts and add the funds…this is allowed in the procurement rules. So nonprofits to prepare for the funds – here are some of the program services allowed… tutoring, study-skills training, and instruction leading to the completion of secondary school; alternative school services; leadership skills development; occupational training; work experience, including job shadowing and internships; summer employment linked to academic and occupational learning; and life-skills training….so like I said – start planning.