The Department of Employment Services (DOES) is seeking applications for its Youth Innovation Grant to assist youth in Career Exploration, Post-secondary Education, and Entrepreneurship skills to improve workforce opportunities as well as aid youth in placement and retention in employment, education, and training, in program skills gains, and credential attainment.
Donor Name: Department of Employment Services (DOES)
State: District of Columbia
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 03/31/2022
Size of the Grant: $225,000
Grant Duration: 1 year
Details:
The purpose of this RFA is to solicit grant applications from eligible organizations to support the delivery of innovative workforce solutions that will drastically improve the opportunities for youth between the ages of 16-24 years to successfully enter and remain in the 21st-century workforce.
Through this grant, DOES seeks integrated service models that embrace a holistic approach by addressing the educational, employment, and social service needs of Out-of-School Youth (OSY), including basic skills training, workforce readiness training, GED/High School Diploma equivalency training programs, unsubsidized employment, advance training and/or post-secondary education.
Applicants will develop a model based upon a theory of action that is supported by a solid research basis with evidence of previous successes. The model should address at least one of the following elements:
- Work experience for youth through training and guidance in soft skills.
- Training for youth in technical skills, or hard skills, needed for specific career pathways or work settings.
- Development and maintenance of relationships with employers to promote youth employment opportunities.
- Opportunities for youth entering post-secondary education programs and obtaining postsecondary credentials to enter the workforce based upon individual interests and skills.
- Opportunities for youth to understand business development processes that will aid in the launching of a small business.
The OSY Program aims to fund integrated service models that embrace a holistic approach by addressing the educational, employment, and social service needs of youth participants.
Consequently, the goals are to provide job training and support in three distinct pathways:
- Entrepreneurship
- Post Secondary Education
- Other Innovative Pathways
Funding Information
- The total amount of funding DOES anticipate being available for award is up to $225,000.
Grant Period
- The “Youth Innovation Grant” grant will operate for one year from the date of the award.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants shall meet all applicable eligibility requirements listed in this RFA. Applications that do not meet the eligibility will be considered unresponsive and will not be considered for funding under this RFA. Organizations that are eligible to apply for this grant include public and private non-profit and for-profit organizations with demonstrated effectiveness providing the requested services and meeting the needs of the target population, including:
- Non-profit, community, and faith-based organizations
- Community colleges or other post-secondary institutions
- Public, charter, or alternative secondary schools
- Trade associations or chambers of commerce
- Private, for-profit service providers; or
- Labor unions, labor-management partnerships, or registered apprenticeship programs
For more information, visit Youth Innovation Grant.
