Background
In 2014, the White House, under President Barack Obama, launched the My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) initiative to address persistent opportunity gaps faced by boys and young men of color and ensure that all young people can reach their full potential. Through this initiative, the Administration called on cities, businesses, and foundations to take important steps to connect young people to mentoring, support networks, and help them gain the skills they need to find a good job or go to college and work their way into the middle class. The milestones associated with the My Brother’s Keeper initiative include having young people enter school ready to learn, reading at grade level by third grade, graduating from high school ready for college, completing post-secondary education or training, successfully entering the workforce, and providing a second chance to those with past criminal offenses. In responding to the call to action, the Department of Neighborhoods established the My Brother’s Keeper Village to be the hub of all work throughout the City of Columbus.
Round 1 grants engaged and expanded the MBK network in Columbus by supporting work focused on boys and young men of color. The opportunity to innovate is important as we work collectively to enhance outcomes for boys and young men of color. Round 2 grants supported the work of non-profit agencies to test new approaches and or create new partnerships in the areas of education and safety. Round 3 grants will build on lessons learned to help close the achievement gap.
This legislation authorizes the expenditure of up to $400,000.00 from the general operating dollars; Fund 1000; and authorizes the Director of Neighborhoods to enter into grant agreements with African American Male Wellness Agency, Always With Us Charities, Columbus Urban League, Heart of JOB and Ice Mentors in an amount up to $400,000.00 to provide in-school and after-school academic based interventions.
The services included in this c...
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