Important note: The following recommendation was approved by the Board of Supervisors on Sept. 1, 2015, as part of a larger report (attached):
DISTRICT 3 (Supervisor Don Horsley)
FY 2015-17 Measure A Request
Puente de la Costa Sur Youth Leadership Development and Employment Program $50,000 one-time in FY 2015-16
This is a $50,000 one-time request to support 15-20 youth participating in the South Coast Youth Leadership Development and Employment Program (YLDEP). This longstanding Puente program has historically been funded by the Department of Labor (DoL). It became clear late in the DoL application process that changes in their requirements would disqualify the Puente program.
DoL now requires that youth in the programs it funds have already dropped out of school, whereas the Puente program supports at-risk youth so that they stay in school. As a result of this disqualification, there is an approximately $240,000 gap in funding.
Puente had already initiated the FY15/16 program and made commitments to the youth and young adults involved. Puente is actively fundraising to fill the approximately $240,000 gap from a variety of funders. Measure A funds will be part of that emergency support. YLDEP program was in full swing this summer and will continue through the remainder of the fiscal year.
The youth and young adults of the South Coast are selected as YLDEP participants based on the extent to which they evidence multiple challenges or barriers to employment, including difficult circumstances at home or in school (thus, those in greatest need will get the jobs). Puente connects 100% of youth and young adult participants with an adult mentor who will provide a positive adult relationship, help facilitate successful on-the-job experiences, and encourage and aid them in becoming productive members of both the community and the labor force.
Puente connects youth, as needed (80% estimate), with a summer teacher or volunteer to complete summer reading and other credit recovery programs. Puente will provide 100% of youth with opportunities for career exploration. The Human Services Agency will work with Puente staff on including performance objectives for the County’s Measure A funds in the agreement.
Important note: This is a copy of the official report -- item 10 on the Board's agenda.