Youth & Young Adult Employment Program

The City of St. Petersburg, Florida, is soliciting proposals for a Youth & Young Adult Employment Program aimed at providing meaningful employment opportunities to youth aged 15-24 from families at or below 120% of the Area Median Income. The program seeks to not only offer temporary employment but also to foster leadership development and career readiness by exposing participants to careers, trades, and certifications in targeted industries such as Life Sciences, Financial Services, Specialized Manufacturing, Data Analytics, Creative Arts and Design, and Construction. With an anticipated annual budget of $400,000, the City encourages vendors to leverage additional funds and implement effective recruitment strategies to maximize participant engagement. The program prioritizes placements with private sector employers who may reimburse 60-75% of participant salaries, with the ultimate goal of converting internships into year-round permanent employment opportunities, thereby creating a sustained positive impact for youth participants. In addition to the employment program details, subcontractors responding to this solicitation are encouraged to engage minority, women, veteran, and small business enterprises within the Tampa Bay region, demonstrating a commitment to inclusion and outreach. The City also maintains strict compliance with local and state regulations regarding contract performance, payment, and bonding requirements. Related documents referenced in the solicitation include construction agreements, performance and payment bonds, and public construction bonds, which establish responsibilities and financial safeguards for contractors and sureties working with the City. Points of contact for this solicitation are the Economic Development Coordinator and the Procurement Analyst, ensuring clear communication between vendors and the City's Economic Development office.