Explanation
Background: This legislation authorizes the Director of the Department of Neighborhoods to enter into an advance payment in full grant agreement with Rickenbacker/Woods Technology Museum & Historic Park, Inc. DBA Rickenbacker Woods Foundation in an amount up to $100,000.00 in support of the Creators, Originators & Innovators of Tomorrow Workforce Initiative.
The Rickenbacker Woods Foundation’s Creators, Originators & Innovators of Tomorrow Workforce Initiative empowers youth of Columbus with essential skills and knowledge in the fields of engineering, art, technology, design, media and architecture.
The initiative aims to provide high school students in the City of Columbus with opportunities to engage in meaningful workforce development activities. The program will operate from April 2025 through April 2026 allowing interns to gain hands-on experience and valuable exposure in their areas of interest.
The program plays a critical role in reducing youth gun violence and other forms of violence by providing constructive, skill-building activities that keep youth engaged and focused on positive goals; especially during the critical hours when they are most susceptible to negative influences. By offering mentorship, a supportive community and exposure to various fields of interest, the program instills a sense of purpose and belonging, reducing the likelihood of involvement in violent activities.
The grant agreement will include an advance payment in full and will allow for reasonable food and non-alcoholic beverages expenses that support the program. A portion of this funding will also support intern stipends.
Approval is also requested for reimbursement of expenses incurred prior to execution of the purchase order, starting April 1, 2025.
Emergency action is requested to immediately provide resources necessary to sustain human services programming within valuable Columbus communities.
Fiscal Impact: The funding of $...
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