Bridging the Opportunity Gap
Commonwealth Corporation (CommCorp), in conjunction with the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services, invites proposals from youth-serving organizations, including the sixteen Local Workforce Investment Boards in Massachusetts, One-Stop Career Centers, community-based and/or non-profit organizations (including but not limited to DYS Community Re-entry Center vendors) to undertake activities that create opportunities for effective career readiness that provide “bridges” to employment for youth in the custody of the Department of Youth Services.
This Request for Proposals has been designed to accomplish three primary goals:
- Funds are being offered to provide direct services that meet the career readiness, pre-employment and employment needs of youth in the custody of DYS;
- Grants will result in the delivery of services to youth in DYS custody (and who are currently reporting to a DYS Community Re-entry Center) that are asset-based and involve personnel that have demonstrated success working effectively with DYS clients;
- Grant activities will develop or strengthen collaborations and partnerships between existing agencies and organizations that have expertise with youth job readiness and youth training and/or employment and have a proven track record of working successfully with youth in DYS custody.
A total of approximately $500,000 will be awarded through this proposal and it is anticipated between six to eight grants will be made with a range between $50,000 and $70,000 each. Interested parties should review the application guidelines and consider submitting a proposal to the Commonwealth Corporation. Proposals are due on Friday, November 9th (5:00 p.m.).
2007-2008 Bridging the Opportunity Gap Request for Proposals RFP
Click on one of the links below to review the 2007-2008 Bridging the Opportunity Gap Request for Proposals RFP
Background of The Bridging the Opportunity Gap Initiative
In 2006, the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services (DYS) received funding from the Massachusetts State Legislature to address the career readiness and employability needs of DYS clients. Overall, $900,000 of state funding was allocated to meet the goals of this initiative – $600,000 targeted to regional vocational/employability pilot programs and $300,000 for the “Bridging the Opportunity Gap” competitive grant funding (formerly referred to as “EET” funding).
In October of 2006 DYS turned to its statewide partner, Commonwealth Corporation (CommCorp) to develop a statewide strategy for the distribution of these funds specifically targeted to serving youth, who, upon the completion of their DYS short or long term treatment, were transitioning back to their home community.
Click here for more detailed information on the Bridging the Opportunity Gap Initiative. To view the list of grant recipients for 2007-2008, please click here.
Click here to access information about program and participant data collection.
