Mayor's Office of Prevention, Intervention and Opportunity: Out-of-School Time Programs & Youth Employment Opportunities RFP

Introduction and Background Information Research shows that unaddressed trauma and toxic stress from interpersonal violence and decades of structural violence serves as the root, biological cause of many adverse health, educational, economic and behavioral problems, including violence, that overwhelmingly impacts urban poor - especially communities of color and youth ages 15 to 24.  Additionally, the root causes of violence are addressed through improved social determinants of health outcomes and investing in the key dimensions of community well-being (economic health, built environment conditions, social environment, and civic infrastructure). In response to the research findings, as well as concerns regarding the upward trending trajectory relative to youth violence, the Mayor’s Office of Prevention, Intervention, and Opportunity (MPIO) was established to institute a broad-based effort to begin to address the root causes of violence and help our community members develop resilience. Developing resilience enables individuals and the community to recover and thrive despite the prevalence of adverse conditions. It allows communities to develop the capability to protect themselves against toxic stress and other adverse experiences. This protection reinforces community healing while preventing violence and other negative health consequences.The City of Cleveland believes that we can help our residents build resilience skills, promote healing and wellness, create safe spaces to build deeper community, and provide them with the tools they need to thrive and live quality lives. MPIO believes this can best be achieved through a network of high-quality opportunities for our youth, emerging adults, and their families, which includes access to Out-of-School Time (OST) programs and employment opportunities. According to the Ohio Afterschool Network, kids who participate in high-quality OST programming have higher graduation rates and are less likely to participate in high-risk or illegal activities. Additionally, 82% of parents surveyed said OST programming helped their children develop real-world life skills that will help them in school and the workforce.The city has many spaces which serve as hubs of activity and support for many of our youth and their families. MPIO recognizes the value and the opportunity these community spaces afford to provide the services our youth and other members of our communities deserve to reach their full potential. MPIO is looking to support a range of community spaces where youth and families feel safe and supported. Proposals should include proposed locations to run the proposed program.The City of Cleveland is seeking OST and employment programs that are hosted in these trusted community spaces. These expanded programs are aimed at providing youth and their families access to resources, programs and activities that address the root causes of violence; promote healing, wellness, resiliency and self-efficacy; create intergenerational learning experiences; support our residents in developing the skills and knowledge required to thrive and live quality lives; and align with the priorities of the Mayor’s Municipal Cabinet for Children and Youth. The purpose of this RFP is to solicit proposals from qualified providers that can provide OST programs and employment opportunities for youth and adults that align with the City’s efforts and appropriately respond to the needs of our youth and communities. Programs and activities must support one or more of the following areas: Prenatal to Early ChildhoodOverall WellbeingEducational Outcomes and Out-of-School TimeCollege and Career Readiness These programs and activities collectively support a holistic approach to improving the overall well-being of youth, emerging adults, their families and our communities.