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Office of Jobs and Community Services realigns focus to better reflect citywide Economic Opportunity Agenda

Mar 24, 2015

Announces $4 million in grant funding to place Boston residents on a continuum to success
 
The Office of Jobs and Community Services (JCS), an affiliate of the Boston Redevelopment Authority, recently released three open and competitive requests for proposals (RFPs) that better reflect the organization’s core mission of helping Bostonians fulfill their educational and employment aspirations. By realigning the goals and strategies of funding sources to Mayor Martin J. Walsh’s citywide economic opportunity agenda focused on tackling income inequality, JCS seeks to place residents, including youth and adults, on career pathways to economic success. The ultimate goal of this continuum of resources is to get people into careers that provide a living wage and opportunities for advancement.
 
“For some Boston residents, the ladder to financial security is still out of reach, and I am dedicated to creating opportunities for professional and educational growth,” said Mayor Walsh, who launched the JCS-led Office of Financial Empowerment last fall. “City organizations can make a difference by establishing clear pathways to success through job creation and workforce training. There are many talented women and men here; why not make a solid investment in the future of Boston's neighborhoods?”
 
The RFPs for the Alternative Education Initiative (AEI), Community Development Block Grant Public Services (CDBG-PS), and Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA-Youth) for the 2016 fiscal year, beginning July 1, 2015, are premier funding opportunities meant to drive people toward these pathways. Under the RFPs, JCS is looking for organizations to work together to build an integrated support structure for education, employment, and training services to prevent gaps in pathways and ensure uninterrupted support to at-risk individuals and families. For certain populations, like seniors and people with disabilities, the emphasis is on helping individuals remain self-sufficient and retain their incomes.
 
Each RFP is informed by a set of policy principles that align grant strategies and funding goals with the City’s economic opportunity objectives. JCS conducted a thorough assessment to formulate these principles, which included an extensive review of well-documented best practices, a city-wide scan of community resources, and an analysis of workforce development efforts around the country.
 
“The Mayor’s economic opportunity agenda has a clear mission of enabling wealth building opportunities for residents,” said Brian Golden, Director of the Boston Redevelopment Authority. “Using these principles and data, the BRA and JCS can focus funding streams toward the programs that will best serve disadvantaged populations and the Mayor’s strategic vision.” 

The common goal of all three funding sources is to connect Boston residents with a continuum of opportunities for quality education, training, workforce development, and support services that lead to long-term economic security. All contracts are expected to begin July 1, 2015.
 
To download the RFP, please visit www.bostonjcs.org
 
Alternative Education Initiative (AEI)
Projected funding: $502,250, based on 2015 fiscal year
Funds target out-of-school and in-school youth between the ages of 16-21 who have dropped-out or are at risk of dropping out from traditional high schools. The goal of the grant is to help participating youth attain high school diplomas and the skill sets needed to increase their future employability and earning potential. The funding addresses complex barriers faced by students whose needs are not met in a traditional academic environment.
 
Key changes related to Boston’s economic opportunity agenda include:
  • Increased focus on college and career preparation for dropouts and off-track students.
  • Increased focus on the school-to-college and school-to-career continuum with an emphasis on an early introduction and exposure to post-secondary education and career opportunities, allowing youth to establish career goals and interests, and to experience improved educational and employment outcomes, such as dual enrollment strategies.
 
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)
Projected funding: $1,266,510, based on 2015 fiscal year
Funds will target economically disadvantaged and undeserved youth between the ages of 14 and 24 years old, with preference given to out-of-school youth to align with the new requirement that 75% of funds serve that population. The goal of the funds will be to improve career, educational, and economic prospects of participating youth. The funding allows for a wrap-around approach that incorporates youth development, education and workforce strategies, and holistic support services with a particular focus on employment outcomes.
 
Key changes related to Boston’s economic opportunity agenda include:
  • Serve more out-of-school youth: 75% of the funds must be spent on out-of-school youth, as opposed to 30% in the former Workforce Investment Act (WIA). The new Act extends the out-of-school youth age limit from 21 to 24 years.
  • Increased focus on work experiences: 20% of the funds must be spent on work experiences. Therefore, JCS proposes that programs incorporate work-based learning strategies.
 
Community Development Block Grant Public Services (CDBG-PS)
Projected funding: $2,296,484, based on 2016 fiscal year
Funds will target low-income Boston residents with incomes at or below the 80% of Area Median Income, with preference given to re-entry or court-involved individuals, out-of-school youth, dislocated workers, seniors, individuals with disabilities, homeless individuals, documented immigrants, English language learners, and long-term underemployed or unemployed individuals. The goal of the funding stream is to place participants into careers that provide them with long-term economic stability. 
 
Funding streams are being finalized, and could increase or decrease before awarding.

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