Okaloosa County BOCC — January 21, 2014 — Okaloosa YCC Summary

We are excited to share with you that the Okaloosa County School System is applying for a US Department of Labor (USDOL) Youth Career Connect (YCC) Grant. The Department of Labor has identified $100 million fund approximately 25 to 40 grants for individual or multi-site projects. Grants will be awarded to local education agencies, public or non-profit local workforce entities, or non-profits with education reform experience. All grantees will have to demonstrate a strong public/private partnership, and must include, at a minimum, a local education agency, a local workforce investment system entity, an employer, and an institution of higher education... Awards are anticipated to be made in early 2014 for program implementation to align with the 2014-15 school year. The grant opportunity activities will parallel with what we have heard from our local business community to meet the employment needs creating a pipeline of skilled workers. The grant is designed to encourage America's school districts, institutions of higher education, the workforce investment system, and their partners to scale up evidence-based high school models that will transform the high school experience for America's youth. Youth Career Connect schools will strengthen America's talent pipeline through: • Integrated Academic and Career-Focused Learning: Grants will provide students with education and training that combines rigorous academic and career-focused curriculum to increase students' employability in in-demand industries and prepare them for employment, post-secondary education, long-term occupational skills training, or registered apprenticeships. • Work-Based Learning and Exposure to the World of Work: Strong partnerships will provide work- based learning opportunities. In addition to actual work experience, youth participants will also participate in field trips, job-shadowing, or other types of opportunities that provide students with exposure to different career paths and prepare them for the world of work. • Robust Employer Engagement: Employer partners will provide work-based learning and mentoring, creating a path for students to in-demand industries and occupations including those in information technologies, advanced manufacturing and other science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields. Employers will also work closely with schools on professional development and training for staff to drive the sustainability of the program over the long term. • Individualized Career and Academic Counseling: As an integral part of the program design, students will be provided with individualized career and academic counseling experiences to strengthen their career and post-secondary awareness and explore opportunities beyond high school. • Integration of Post-secondary Education and Training: Students will participate in education and training, while they are still in high school that leads to credit toward a post-secondary degree or certificate and an industry recognized credential, where appropriate. Youth Career Connect is designed to provide high school students with a comprehensive learning experience by providing students with challenging, relevant learning opportunities. The specific target grants goals:  Provide education and training that combines academic and technical curricula that focus on a specific in-demand industry or career,  Increase student employability at graduation  Prepare students for multiple career pathways that include placement into: Employment, Post- Secondary Education, Long-term Occupational Skills Training or Registered Apprenticeship The target areas of scheduled training for Okaloosa County Schools proposal will encompass manufacturing and aerospace sector. The proposal is not completed at this time, but planned activities include the career- focused curriculum, training, individualized career and academic counseling, work-based learning and integration of post-secondary education and training. In order to be competitive for the grant award, we need to ask your assistance with the support of the Okaloosa County grant proposal application with a signed letter of commitment/support. Attached is a DRAFT letter for your input preparing a letter from your entity. Included with the letter is any in-kind contribution in support of the grant opportunity. Also attached are suggested areas of in-kind contribution. Because of a short turnaround time for submission of the proposal, we need to request your letter be returned (individuals noted below) no later than Tuesday, January 21st. We are ecstatic with the opportunity for submitting the Youth Career Connect proposal and welcome (and thank you ) for your support of the grant activities. Please contact Patti Bonezzi, CHOICE & CTE District Director if you have any questions or need additional information. (E-mail:BonezziP@mail.okaloosa.k12.fl.us) Assistance with the Letters of Support/Commitment: Ron Garriga Cindy Gates Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide Choctawhatchee High School Director of Campus Operations - Northern Florida Principal GARRIGAL@erau.edu GatesC@mail.okaloosa.k12.fl.us Linda Sumblin Workforce Development Board of Okaloosa and Walton Counties Executive Director lsumblin@jobsplus02.com