Explanation
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.
Due to the effects of COVID-19, the City of Columbus recognizes many organizations providing summer employment opportunities may not have the capacity to do so in 2021.
Grants will be awarded to the African American Male Wellness Walk, Community for New Directions, Columbus Fashion Alliance, The Columbus Urban League, Legacy U. The nonprofit organizations will serve at-risk boys and young men of color between the ages of 14-24 to help ease the challenges families face due to the current public health emergency.
The services included in this contract cannot be provided by existing city employees because these services are beyond the City’s current responsibility and capacity to provide.
Emergency Designation: Emergency action is requested to ensure that students can benefit from summer employment opportunities.
Fiscal Impact: This ordinance authorizes the expenditure of $1,260,125.00 f...
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