THE HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE FAMILY SUCCESS ADMINISTRATION DIVISION RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THIS ACTION.
This action supports the Commission Value: "Approaching human services collaboratively and compassionately with special emphasis on the most vulnerable," and the Commission Goal: "Deliver evidence-based services to the public, and connect customers and their family members to sustainable support, with special emphasis on financial supports." Funding for the SYEP will provide employment skills training and work experience for 17 Broward County youth.
CareerSource Broward’s (“CareerSource”) SYEP is an eight-week summer employment program for Broward County youth 16 to 18 years of age. The SYEP provides three days of employment skills training followed by a subsidized paid summer work experience with a nonprofit organization or governmental agency in Broward County. CareerSource pays each youth $8.46 per hour for the eight-week experience. In addition to youth training and youth wages, CareerSource covers the associated workers compensation costs and provides a staff member to monitor the progress of the youth, as well as provide program guidance and support to both the youth and the employers through worksite visits. The total cost of one participant for eight weeks, including administration, is approximately $2,941.
The majority of the funding for SYEP is provided by the Children’s Services Council of Broward County; however, the demand for the program far exceeds the capacity. More than 2,000 youth apply to participate in the program each summer and less than 700 positions are usually available.
The Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services (“HHS”), and Housing and Urban Development have encouraged state and local governments to use certain grant funds to develop summer job programs for economically disadvantaged and at-risk youth. The County is a recipient of CSBG funding originating from HHS. The approved grant budget includes line items allowing CSBG funding to be utilized for 17 SYEP participants annually, via agreement with CareerSource.
The Office of the County Attorney has approved this agreement as to form. |