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Department of Human Services recommending the Board:
1) Conceptually approve an application to Golden Sierra Job Training Agency (GSJTA) for federal Workforce Investment Act (WIA) funding for said Department to provide WIA Youth Program services in the County of El Dorado during the term July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012; and
2) Authorize the Director or Assistant Director of said Department to submit said application and sign all documents required for submittal; and
3) Ratify the Director of Human Services signature on the prequalification certifications which were due to GSJTA by May 2, 2011.
FUNDING: Federal Workforce Investment Act Funding.
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Fiscal Impact/Change to Net County Cost:
None. There is no cost associated with submittal of this application. If awarded, the resulting grant will be federally funded. The required 25% non-WIA funded in-kind/leveraged resource match will be met with in-kind services from the Department of Human Services CalWORKS program.
Background:
On September 7, 2005, the Golden Sierra Governing Board approved the establishment of El Dorado County as the first Consortium Operator under the Local Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Program, effective July 1, 2006. 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 and the El Dorado County Department of Human Services has been the One Stop Operator for El Dorado and Alpine counties since that time.
Annual Local Workforce Investment Act (WIA) funding is awarded to GSJTA. In February, 2009 GSJTA instituted a competitive process for distribution of the WIA Youth Program funding for FY 2009/10 and FY 2010/11. On February 24, 2009 the Board of Supervisors conceptually approved a funding application for WIA Youth Program services and on August 25, 2009 authorized the Chair to sign the subsequent grant agreement.
Reason for Recommendation:
As an Area Partner Consortium Operator of the Golden Sierra Job Training Agency Consortium, El Dorado County uses the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) 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 County unemployed individuals and businesses can be met.
For the FY 2011-12 funding cycle, GSJTA is continuing the competitive process for distribution of the WIA Youth Program funding. On April 18, 2011, GSJTA issued a Request for Proposals for the Youth Program component of the WIA allocation, with preference given to proposals for collaborative projects and/or connections to the One Stop Career Center. The prequalification certifications were due to GSJTA by May 2, 2011 and the application must be submitted to GSJTA by May 9, 2011. The Department of Human Services (DHS) is in the process of preparing an application that proposes to focus efforts on existing partnerships which include supporting the educational and employment needs of foster youth and fostering green employment opportunities for youth through partnerships with the U.S. Forest Service and the California Conservation Corps. Additionally, the application will focus on youth literacy and numeracy gains, attainment of a degree or certificate, and employment or education placement.
Notice of awards is anticipated in May, 2011. Assuming award of WIA 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, 2011.
Action to be taken following Board approval:
Human Services to submit application to GSJTA by May 9, 2011 for federal grant funds for provision of a youth program and, if awarded, bring back grant agreement for Board of Supervisors approval and execution
Contact: Daniel Nielson, 642-7275
Concurrences: N/A