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Human Services Department recommending that the Board consider the conceptual approval of an application to Golden Sierra Job Training Agency (GSJTA) for federal Workforce Investment Act (WIA) funding, estimated at $235,000 annually, for said Department to provide a WIA Youth Program in El Dorado and Alpine counties during the term July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2011, and authorization for the Director or Assistant Director of said Department to submit said application and sign all documents required for submittal.
FUNDING: If awarded, 100% Federal Workforce Investment Act
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Fiscal Impact/Change to Net County Cost: None. There is no cost associated with submittal of this application, and, if funding is awarded, the resulting grant will be 100% federally funded with no County match or share of cost.
Background: On September 7, 2005, the Golden Sierra Governing Body approved the establishment of El Dorado County as the first Consortium Operator under the Local Workforce Investment Act Program, effective July 1, 2006. On November 8, 2005, the Board of Supervisors adopted Resolution No. 339-2005 authorizing an Amended and Restated Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement for Golden Sierra Job Training Agency(GSJTA), including a provision giving the JPA the ability to pass El Dorado County's share of funds to the County to enable the County to provide job training services. The Golden Sierra Workforce Investment Board and their Governing Body approved the El Dorado/Alpine County Local Operator Business Plan on April 24, 2006 and April 26, 2006 respectively. On June 20, 2006, the Board of Supervisors approved establishment of a budget and approved Human Services staffing for implementation of Workforce Investment Act Program activities effective July 1, 2006.
Reason for Recommendation: As an Area Partner Consortium Operator of the Golden Sierra Job Training Agency Consortium, El Dorado County has since FY 06-07 used the allocated Workforce Investment Act funds to provide job training services, leverage additional federal and state funding and help strengthen the One Stop system whereby the multiple needs of El Dorado and Alpine County unemployed individuals and businesses can be met.
Annual Local Workforce Investment Act (WIA) funding is awarded to GSJTA and has in past years been directly allocated among Consortium Area Partners. For the FY 09-11 funding cycle, GSJTA has instituted a competitive process for distribution of the WIA Youth Program funding. On February 2, 2009, GSJTA issued a Request for Proposals for the Youth Program component of the WIA allocation, with preference given to proposals for innovative year-round youth program projects that address the needs of older youth. The application must be submitted to GSJTA by February 27, 2009. The Department of Human Services (DHS) is in the process of preparing an application that proposes to focus efforts on the immediate capture of high school dropouts and provision of services to this target group as well as to out-of-school youth and transitional age foster youth to encourage re-entry into the educational system, attainment of a GED or further education and the skills necessary to prepare these at-risk youth for successful employment.
Notice of awards is anticipated in April, 2009. Assuming award of WIA Innovative Year-Round Youth Program funding to El Dorado County, DHS will submit the subsequent GSJTA grant agreement for Board of Supervisors approval and execution to enable DHS to implement services commencing July 1, 2009.
Action to be taken following Board approval:
Human Services to submit application to GSJTA by February 27, 2009 for federal grant funds for provision of an innovative year-round youth program and, if awarded, bring back grant agreement for Board of Supervisors approval and execution.
Contact: Doug Nowka, Director, 642-7275, Jasara Bento, 642-7312
Concurrences: N/A