Explanation
This ordinance authorizes the City Clerk to enter into a grant agreement with See Brilliance in support of the organization’s STEAM programming for Columbus students.
See Brilliance is a local non-profit organization with a mission to provide youth and families with educational opportunities rooted in Black and Latinx cultures that equip them to discover their innate brilliance. See Brilliance’s STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) programming includes workshops on various topics such as electronics, micro:bit technology, coding, robotics, and engineering challenges. Programs are suitable for both beginners and more advanced learners, and are constantly updated and culturally relevant. The hands-on approach allows students to solve problems and challenges, and explore new subjects.
See Brilliance’s focus on culturally responsive STEAM education in Columbus results in a comprehensive educational endeavor designed to engage students in STEAM opportunities. Targeted constituencies include students from underserved communities in urban areas, where access to high-quality STEAM education is limited. Through engaging and interactive activities, See Brilliance aims to foster curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills among participants, empowering them to explore and excel in STEAM fields. In addition to workshops, participants will receive STEAM toolkits containing educational materials, resources, and guides to continue their exploration beyond the program.
Emergency legislation is needed in order to provide timely support to See Brilliance for program opportunities taking place this summer.
Fiscal Impact: Funding to support this expenditure is available within the general fund and the Job Growth subfund.
Title
To authorize the City Clerk to enter into a grant agreement with See Brilliance in support of their culturally responsive STEAM education programming; to authorize an appropriation and expenditure within the Job Growth subfund; and to declare an emergency. ($200,000.00)
Body
WHEREAS, See Brilliance provides culturally responsive, innovative educational opportunities to Black and Latinx students to equip them to discover their inner brilliance; and
WHEREAS, Columbus City Council seeks to support the enrichment and education of Columbus’ students, including opportunities to engage with STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) as a potential career pathway; and
WHEREAS, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Clerk's Office in that it is immediately necessary to authorize the Clerk to enter into a grant agreement with See Brilliance in support of their culturally responsive STEAM educational programming for Columbus students; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That the City Clerk is hereby authorized to enter into a grant agreement with See Brilliance in support of their culturally responsive STEAM educational programming for Columbus students.
SECTION 2. That the City Auditor is hereby authorized and directed to appropriate $200,000.00 in the Job Growth subfund, fund 1000, subfund 100015, to Columbus City Council per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 3. That per the action authorized in Section 1 of this ordinance, the expenditure of $200,000.00, or so much thereof as necessary, is hereby authorized in the Job Growth subfund, fund 1000, subfund 100015, per the accounting codes in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 4. That the funds necessary to carry out the purpose of this ordinance are hereby deemed appropriated, and the City Auditor shall establish such accounting codes as necessary.
SECTION 5. That the City Auditor is authorized to make any accounting changes to revise the funding source for all contracts or contract modifications associated with this ordinance.
SECTION 6. That for the reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this ordinance is hereby declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and approval by the Mayor or ten days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.