This US DOL funding opportunity is to connect justice-involved youth/young adults to paid work experiences and life skills like conflict resolution to prevent/avoid violence. A mentorship component is required. Deadline April 21, 2022. https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=336623. Can apply for up to $2m for 42 months of activity. A second round of funding will be available in the fall.
Through the Growth Opportunities grant program, the Department will introduce and prepare justice-involved youth and young adults for the world of work through placement into paid work experiences. These grants focus on youth and young adults most impacted by community violence, particularly in areas of concentrated crime and poverty as well as communities that have recently experienced significant unrest. This program contributes to the Biden-Harris Administration’s comprehensive strategy to combat gun violence and other violent crime, in part, with preventative measures that are proven to reduce violent crime and support public safety and community well-being. The goals of the grant are to: help youth and young adults to increase their conflict resolution skills and develop strategies to prevent and avoid violence; introduce and prepare youth for the world of work; help youth identify career interests, attain relevant skills and gain work experience; and provide income to youth, to start them on the path of earning living wages and obtaining high quality jobs and careers.
Must choose a participant age group to serve—either youth (15-18 years old) or young adults (18-24 years old). Wages must be $12/hr for 15-18 year olds or $15/hr for 18-24 year olds.
Mandatory Partners:
i. Violence Prevention or Intervention partner—defined as an individual or organization with significant experience in delivering culturally competent outreach to individuals with a high risk of committing violence (and/or becoming a victim) to interrupt the cycle of violence. The Violence Prevention partner must be familiar with and respected by Page 6 of 58 individuals at a high risk of violence, and work in partnership with a justice system office. Examples include: violence interrupters; hospital intervention programs; local clergy or faith-based organizations; and individuals or organizations with established violence-prevention programs.
ii. Justice System partner—defined as a regional or local government partner that agrees to collaborate with the Violence Prevention partner; for example, to assist with referral of high-risk individuals to the program, share documents or data, including risk assessments, with participant consent where appropriate. Examples include: Police, Sheriffs, District Attorneys, Community Corrections, Courts and Public Defenders.
iii. Employer partners—defined as organizations – such as labor unions – or businesses (public, private or nonprofit) that commit to serve as work experience sites.
To apply, click here.