Submitted by: Simasek
Submitting Department: Legislative
Agenda Section: Discussion
Item Title:
title
FY23 Budget Initiative: Grant Program for High School Graduates Pursuing Higher Education (Amended)
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Suggested Action:
recommendation
I move that the Mayor and Council authorize a small grant program totaling $20,000 in FY 2023 (with the intention of maintaining support in future fiscal years) to be implemented by the Community Services and Recreation Department to help High School seniors and graduates who are Hyattsville residents take their next steps towards higher education and career paths.
The grant program shall prioritize supporting students who are in the first generation in their family to attend college, those whose immigration status forces them to pay out of state tuition, or those who may qualify for other forms of financial aid but may need help covering additional costs of room and board, books, equipment, transportation, etc. To be eligible for the grant, applicants shall describe their future aspirations and how the funds will support them as well as commit to some volunteer service.
The grants shall be allocated and distributed in partnership with local organizations that provide financial support as well as other services to help ensure success in college, including mentoring, tutoring, and support navigating the financial aid process. Eligible recipients of grant funds must also meet any partner program requirements.
All funds from the city shall be allocated to Hyattsville residents and students graduating from Hyattsville high schools enrolled in an accredited institution of learning, including community colleges, universities, and trade or technical training institutions. First year recipients shall have Hyattsville addresses, but their address may change if they attend learning institutions outside the city. Grant recipients who move out of the city will remain eligible to reapply in future years through the completion of their degree or certificate program. No funds shall go towards overhead costs for partner organizations.
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Summary Background:
As Hyattsville’s teen programming grows, it is important for the city to consider how we can help build a bridge for participants as they move on to pursue higher education and career paths. The city’s offerings of mentoring and tutoring services as well as creative and social programming for teens help young people be successful through high school but thinking about what comes after graduation can be daunting, especially if their parents didn’t attend college.
A small grant program, connected to mentoring, tutoring, and other support services, will help give Hyattsville youth confidence and material support as they pursue their learning and career paths. Existing organizations such as First Generation College Bound and We Will All Rise already have program participants in Hyattsville and have expressed interest in expanding their reach by partnering with the city. Making connections with partner organizations will allow the city to help refer young residents to these programs and set aside slots for Hyattsville residents. It will also help ensure the students have additional support and continue to progress towards their future goals, even as their aspirations are still forming and changing.
The goal of this program will be to establish long-term partnerships to support students throughout their higher education paths. It will allow the teen tutoring and mentoring program to help orient older participants (high school juniors and seniors) towards the opportunities ahead of them and help them navigate the process of getting there. Ideally it will become an annual grant application, and previous years’ recipients would have the option of remaining with the program until they finish their studies, as long as they meet the academic, service, and any other relevant partner program requirements.
ANTICIPATED STAFF RESOURCES REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT:
This will require the support and time of Community Services and Recreation staff, particularly those leading the Teen Programs to establish connections with partner organizations, develop the grant application and requirements, and review and approve applications.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION:
<https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2022/01/30/college-poverty-expense-cost-dropout/>
Potential partners:
College Access and Retention - Latin American Youth Center (layc-dc.org) First Generation College Bound | Laurel MD College Grant Support (fgcb.org)
We Will All Rise
Next Steps:
Council discussion.
City staff and councilmembers will research and reach out to potential partner organizations. Memoranda of Understanding may be signed with partners, recommended grant award amounts will be determined, and a basic grant application will be developed. Teen program staff will identify program participants to refer to the grant program and advise them on applying.
Fiscal Impact:
Allocation of $20,000 in FY2023
City Administrator Comments:
Recommend Approval. The Community Services Department has the capacity to implement this new initiative w/ the respective committee.
City staff and councilmembers will research and reach out to potential partner organizations. Memorandum of Understanding may be signed with appropriate partners, recommended grant award amounts will be determined, and a basic grant application will be developed. Teen program staff will identify program participants to refer to the grant program and advise them on applying.
Community Engagement:
Outreach to partners and schools
Strategic Goals:
Goal 5 - Strengthen the City’s Identity as a Diverse, Creative, and Welcoming Community
Legal Review Required?
N/A