Tampa Reconnection Center at Hanna (Request for Applications)

Recent statistics provided by the Mayor's Challenge/Skills Center found that arrest rates among individuals in this population has risen by 2 percentage points. The City seeks to reach non-traditional populations in post-secondary education with a special focus on opportunity youth (ages 18-24) and justice involved persons – thus setting them up for long term career success. This is a key opportunity to connect to this population and expose them to resources and support systems that will support their career development in a secure and positive environment. The center supports key objectives from the Good Jobs, Great Careers Collaborative Workforce Ecosystem Plan, published 9/2023. An effort of this scope and magnitude will require a broad coalition to harness the collective power of the workforce ecosystem. Key partners, including the local workforce board, community service organizations, and philanthropic partners, have been engaged for maximum reach to this key demographic. To ensure success in creating pathways that have the power to change lives, youth voice will be engaged. By modeling a series of connection points, the center will illuminate and direct youth to quality post-secondary career options in a supportive environment. Community partners and service organizations will have the opportunity to share the collaborative space at the center. The center serves as a hub addressing the needs of the target population, and periodic after-hours events will be encouraged on a range of topics from financial aid/FASFA to various supportive components essential to success.