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Youthprise: East African Youth EconomicDevelopment GrantProgress Report12/21/2020Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development Employment and Training Programs DivisionOffice of Youth Development 332 Minnesota St. Ste E200 St. Paul, MN 55101Larry Eisenstadt, Youth Program Coordinator (Phone) 651-259-7538Larry.Eisenstadt@state.mn.usMaurice Nins, Youthprise 612-564-4858 – ext. 3maurice@youthprise.deed/youthAs requested by Minnesota Statute 3.197: This report cost approximately $522 to prepare, including staff time, printing and mailing expenses.Upon request, this material will be made available in an alternative format such as large print, Braille or audio recording. Printed on recycled paper.Contents TOC \o "1-3" \h \z \u Progress Report PAGEREF _Toc60249760 \h 112/21/2020 PAGEREF _Toc60249761 \h 1Introduction PAGEREF _Toc60249762 \h 4Summary of Objectives PAGEREF _Toc60249763 \h 4Eligible Applicant Organizations PAGEREF _Toc60249764 \h 5Grant Performance Measures PAGEREF _Toc60249765 \h 5Decreasing barriers to East African youth employment PAGEREF _Toc60249766 \h 5Increasing readiness of East African youth to create businesses PAGEREF _Toc60249767 \h 5Increasing the economic capacity of East African youth PAGEREF _Toc60249768 \h 5Number of youths retaining employment 90 days or longer PAGEREF _Toc60249769 \h 6Grant Selection Process PAGEREF _Toc60249770 \h 6Selected Grantees PAGEREF _Toc60249771 \h 6Monitoring PAGEREF _Toc60249772 \h 8Program-Related Activities Levels as of September 30, 2020 PAGEREF _Toc60249773 \h 8COVID Impact on Programming PAGEREF _Toc60249774 \h 8Grant Outcomes PAGEREF _Toc60249775 \h 8Expenditures PAGEREF _Toc60249776 \h 10Expended Funds PAGEREF _Toc60249777 \h 10Appendix – Grant Review Score Sheets PAGEREF _Toc60249778 \h 11IntroductionThe Minnesota State Legislature appropriated funds during the 2019 Legislative Session to Youthprise, an intermediary youth grant organization. Funds for this East African Youth Economic Development Grant project were appropriated in Minnesota Laws 2019, Chapter 7, H.F.2, Article 1, Section 2, Subdivision 2(z). The appropriation provides $500,000 for State Fiscal year (SFY) 2020 and $500,000 for SFY 2021. The Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is permitted to use five percent of the appropriation to administer the grant, making a total of $475,000 available each year to Youthprise.These funds, appropriated to Youthprise, are to “give grants through a competitive process to community organizations to provide economic development services designed to enhance long-term economic self- sufficiency in communities with concentrated East African populations. Such communities include but are not limited to Faribault, Rochester, St. Cloud, Moorhead, and Willmar. To the extent possible, Youthprise must make at least 50 percent of these grants to organization serving communities outside the seven-county metropolitan areas, as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 473.121, subdivision 2. This is one-time appropriation and is available until June 30, 2022.”Youthprise released a Request for Proposals (RFP)on October 14, 2019. The RFP closed on November 20, 2019. Funding decisions were announced during the final week of December 2019.Summary of ObjectivesThe purpose of the East African Youth Economic Development Grant Program is to reduce disparities and to allow the acquisition of self-sufficiency:Career exploration and career planning;Work readiness training;Job training;Job placement;Mentoring;Internships and apprenticeships;Education and industry recognized credentialing; andBusiness development and entrepreneurship explorationThe RFP also described potential support services to address barriers youth face including:Transportation,Housing,Remedial EducationLanguage, andSocial Emotional LearningEligible Applicant OrganizationsEligible applicants for the program included 501(c)(3) youth-focused community-based organizations or 501(c)(3) economic development organizations. Additionally, eligible organizations must have had a history of serving East African youth or communities, be based in Minnesota, and must not have a budget greater than $2 million.Grant Performance MeasuresDemographics of youth participants including age, gender, low-income status, disability status, language facility, and educational level are collected in addition to performance measures. The performance measures for the East African Youth Economic Development Grant Program are:Decreasing barriers to East African youth employmentNumber of youths obtaining internships, apprenticeships, or entering the militaryInternships/apprenticeships in high-growth, in-demand occupations and industriesInternships/apprenticeships with East African run businessesNumber of youths obtaining jobsJobs in high-growth, in-demand occupations and industriesJobs with East African run businessesNumber of youths receiving support servicesType of support services provided to participantsNumber of East African youth receiving in-demand credentialsType of credentials obtained by participantsNumber of East African youth participating in education activitiesSecondary, post-secondary, Adult Basic Education, GED preparation, and/or ESL classesIncreasing readiness of East African youth to create businessesNumber of new East African youth led businesses entering the community including a description of the type, product, and sizeNumber of new East African businesses with potential to hire youthNumber of East African youth participating in various educational and employment related trainingsIncreasing the economic capacity of East African youthNumber of youths receiving youth wages from grantees including the average wageNumber of youths receiving family-sustaining wages including the percent above or belowNumber of youths retaining employment 90 days or longerNumber of youths receiving wages increases during the period of timeNumber of youths being promoted during this period of time.Grant Selection ProcessThirty-three (33) proposals were received by Youthprise in response to the RFP with 12 coming from Greater Minnesota. In keeping with its commitment to youth and community voice, Youthprise engaged in a two-stage review process. In the first stage of the grant selection process, community reviewer panels composed of youth, East African community members, and other stakeholders made recommendations for funding. In the second stage of the selection process, Youthprise and DEED staff reviewed the recommendations from the community review panels and made recommendations for grant awards based on financial capacity, programmatic capacity, and geographic balance. The list of selected grantees was sent to the Youthprise Board of Directors for final award decisions. The score sheets used in the selection process are included in the Appendix to this progress report.Selected GranteesThere were 17 grants awarded, 7 located in Greater Minnesota and 10 in the Metropolitan anization NameArea ServedPurpose/MissionTotal AmountAfrican Community Services (activities in Greater MinnesotaMinneapolisHelp refugees from East and West Africa as well as other cultures plus their families secure basic needs and resources for self‐sufficiency and acclimate to a new way of life.$30,000Afro American Development AssociationMoorheadAlleviate poverty by supporting vulnerable New Americans and other diverse communities by building family and community capacity through training, sustainable development, economic empowerment, conflict resolution & peace building.$120,000Community Integration CenterWillmarWork with the locals, immigrants and government agencies to reach out in the best possible way to make a full integration of immigrants.$25,000Northfield Healthy Community InitiativeNorthfieldCultivate a collaborative community that supports, values, and empowers youth.$25,000Somali Community Resettlement ServicesFaribaultPromote and advance the social well-being and welfare of immigrants and refugees by providing community and resettlement services, with the goal of building a vibrant community, whose members can successfully settle and effectively integrate into the wider American community.$120,000Somali American Social Service Association RochesterRebuild the Somali youth of Olmsted County through education, physical activities and programs that promote success.$35,000South Sudanese FoundationMoorheadBuilds relationships and share services and resources within the community and other communities in the area. The mission of the South Sudanese Foundation is to be a life-changing community where everyone can encounter reminders of God’s love and move forward together in their home of Moorhead.$20,000Afro Economic Development SolutionsSt. PaulBuild wealth within African immigrant communities through economic development activities. AEDS work throughout the Twin Cities metropolitan area to create wealth, lift immigrant communities out of poverty, and contribute to and benefit from the region’s vibrant economy.$40,000African Immigrants Community ServicesMinneapolisProvides job readiness and job placement services to East African refugees and their families. Job placement services include helping clients improve their employment situation by finding opportunities for training, and positions which pay more and have better benefits.$20,000BRAVE FoundationSt. PaulDedicated in the upliftment and encouragement of young women within the Somali diaspora community.$30,000Fortune Relief and youth Empowerment OrganizationMinneapolisProvides support services to youth and adults focused on cultural adjustment and increase socioeconomic well- being of the East African communities in Minnesota.$20,000Islamic Civic Society of AmericaMinneapolisCreate positive change for Minnesota by building the capacity of East African immigrant families and faith centers to understand and influence key public issues affecting current and future success.$40,000Ka JoogMinneapolisHelp Somali youth understand their options and make good choices through mentoring, tutoring, and job readiness training.$120,000New American Development CenterMinneapolisImprove the health, educational attainment, economic empowerment, human welfare, and opportunities for youth, adults and families of East African immigrant community within The Twin Cities.$60,000New Vision FoundationMinneapolisCreate pathways to success by motivating disadvantaged youth in Minnesota and the developing world through digital literacy; engaging responsible companies in IT philanthropy; and inspiring progress toward global sustainable development.$120,000Fortune Relief and Youth Empowerment Organization (FRAYEO) MinneapolisProvide support services to youth and adults focused on cultural adjustment and increase socioeconomic well- being of the East African communities in Minnesota.$20,000Street Soccer Twin CitiesMinneapolisCreate a better, healthier, and more united community providing year-round free access to organized physical activities, with youth developmental focused programming designed to empower youth voice.$10,000Total awarded$855,000**This amount reflects the 10% Youthprise is permitted to use to administer the grant.MonitoringYouthprise has formulated staff to monitor the implementation of the grant program including adherence to Youthprise rules and procedures and the collection of data to support the outcome measure outlined above. Youthprise will collect the data from each of the selected grantees and report to DEED’s Office of Youth Development on a quarterly basis.DEED staff will monitor Youthprise and will ensure that it meets state rules and regulations as well as reporting overall grant performance.Program-Related Activities Levels as of September 30, 2020Project PerformancePlanned EnrollmentJuly 1, 2019 - September 30, 2020Actual Enrollment% AchievedParticipants Served3,5003,39497%COVID Impact on Programming During the pandemic, some participants and families were hesitant to search for and begin employment out of fear of infection. Participants also had somewhat limited job placement options after training was completed. Grant OutcomesDemographic and outcome data for the SFY 2020 Youthprise Direct Appropriation for individual services is available for the period July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020 (as follows):DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICSTOTALMale1,731Female1,675Age 14-172,575Age 18-21741Age 22-2687Age 27 and older0Hispanic/Latino0American Indian/ Alaskan Native0Asian/ Pacific Islander54Black/African American3,337White4Multi-racialNASomali1,834Ethiopian85Eritrean4Kenyan38Oromo102Sudanese26Ugandan3Rwandan2Djiboutian1PROGRAM ENROLLMENT AND EXIT TOTALSIntakes 1,007Completions1,844Terminated3Discharges128Other Discharges26PROGRAM SERVICES RECEIVED AND OUTCOMESJob Training274Work Readiness Training458Career Exploration Career Planning1,198Internships and Apprenticeships51East African Run Business Internships and Apprenticeships62Job Placement135East African Run Business Job Placement54Sustaining Employment116Industry Credentials17Education Credentials152Entrepreneurship432Mentoring588Transportation134Housing20Education Support372Language Support338ExpendituresExpended FundsYouthprise expended SFY 2020 Direct Appropriation grant funds as follows through August 31, 2020:Budget CategoryTotal Grant Amount Amount Expended through August 31, 2020Administrative costs (up to 10% allowed)$47,500.00$45,504.49Contracted or Direct Services$427,500.00$221,684.05Total budget$475,000.00$267,188.54Appendix – Grant Review Score SheetsGrant Review Score Sheet (1st Stage Review)Applicant:Reviewer:Rate each application based on the review questions below according to the maximum score identified. If no score is warranted based on an applicant’s response to a question, a score of zero is acceptable. Add comments to Justify your score and to refresh your memory during the grant review meeting.Review QuestionsScore1. Mission & History – Does the applicant’s mission and history demonstrate that it serves youth 10 to 24? Are youth the sole focus or a significant focus of the applicant’s work? Does the applicant have a longstanding history of serving East African communities?5Comments:2. Target Population & Experience with the Target Population – Does the applicant’s project serve East African youth? Are specific targeted East African groups identified? Does the applicant clearly describe its experience serving East African youth? Is applicant’s experience of satisfactory length, sufficient relevance, and does it demonstrate expertise in serving youth?20Comments:3. Economic Development Experience – Does the applicant have experience providing economic development programming? Is the applicant’s experience of satisfactory length, sufficient relevance, and does it demonstrate expertise in providing economic development programming?15Comments:4. Capacity – Does the applicant demonstrate it has the capacity to0 provide culturally and linguistically appropriate programming? Do key staff have10relevant qualifications, experience, and cultural knowledge? Does the applicant articulate a clear and realistic youth recruitment plan?Comments:5. Economic Development Activities – Does the applicant provide a clear, coherent, and time bound plan for providing economic development activities? Are activities sufficiently detailed and consistent with building skills that can lead to economic self-sufficiency? Does the applicant intend to provide youth wages?20Comments:6. Supportive Services Activities – Does the applicant provide a clear and coherent plan for providing supportive services activities? Do the supportive services address the needs of the project’s targeted youth? Is it clear how youth will access these supportive services?15Comments:7. Goals, Objectives, Deliverables, and Evaluation – Does the applicant clearly describe what success looks like in terms of goals, objectives, and deliverables related to youth? Does the applicant clearly describe what information they will collect and how they will measure this information to determine progress and success? S there a clear evaluation timeline and a staff or contractor responsible for the evaluation activities?15Comments:Total Score:Grant Review Score Sheet (2nd Stage Review)Applicant:Reviewer:Rate each application based on the review questions below according to the maximum score identified. If no score is warranted based on an applicant’s response to a question, a score of zero is acceptable. Add comments to Justify your score and to refresh your memory during the grant review meeting.Review QuestionsScore1. Budget – Is the budget clearly detailed, reasonable, and reflective of the activities described in the work plan?10Comments:2. Financial Capacity – Does the applicant’s total organizational budget amount indicate they have experience managing the amount of funds they requested? Does the applicant’s financial statements indicate a financially healthy organization? Do financial statements indicate operating deficits or unrestricted net asset deficits?20Comments:3. Organizational Capacity – Does the applicant have adequate staffing to provide proposed programming or a plan to add additional staff? Does the applicant’s history, experience, and capacity indicate sufficient organizational capacity to carry out the proposed project?20Comments:Total Score: ................
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