Explanation
BACKGROUND:
This ordinance authorizes the Director of Development to execute a grant agreement with Greater Columbus Convention & Visitor’s Bureau dba Experience Columbus, in an amount up to $250,000.00, for the Diversity Apprenticeship program.
Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Columbus, Ohio leisure and hospitality workforce consisted of 73% white, 16% black, 5.6% Asian, and 5.9% Hispanic employees. As the travel industry begins to recover from the effects of the pandemic, the diversity levels remain stagnant and the need to create a more inclusive workforce, as well as the need for more leadership opportunities for minorities in this industry, has emerged. The Diversity Apprenticeship program is designed to address these issues by providing participants hands on, on-the-job experience working across multiple departments (i.e., marketing, sales, finance, etc.) in travel industry organizations. The program will position the apprentice for long-term professional success in a leadership capacity in the travel industry. As the program and contract are developed and if it is determined that this program is eligible to be funded by federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, the funding source will be changed and the program and contract shall be in alignment with federal guidelines.
Support of this initiative aligns with Columbus City Council’s priorities of building strong neighborhoods, promoting the creation of good-paying jobs, and developing pathways out of poverty.
FISCAL IMPACT: Funds will be transferred from the General Fund Citywide Account to the Department of Development General Fund budget.
CONTRACT COMPLIANCE: the vendor number is 006014 and expires on January 7, 2022.
Title
To authorize the Director of Development to execute a grant agreement with Greater Columbus Convention & Visitor’s Bureau, dba Experience Columbus, in an amount up to $250,000.00 for the provision of the Diversity Apprenticeship program; to authorize a ...
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