April 16, 2002

REPORT IN BRIEF:

The Technology Opportunities Program (TOP) of the U.S. Department of Commerce recently issued a solicitation for proposals and will award funding to model projects that demonstrate innovative use of digital network technologies in the public and non-profit sectors. NOVA Workforce Board is proposing an employment skills training program that will build a bridge of community support supporting the under-served population of teen parents, juvenile delinquents, runaways, homeless, dropout and foster youth, as they transition from social service assistance to independent living. The project combines GED attainment support, employment skills training, mentoring and support services. NOVA has prepared a plan and scope of services to meet the requirements of this grant opportunity as well as meeting the needs of these under-served youth.

NOVA staff recommends that the Sunnyvale City Council, on behalf of the seven NOVA Consortium cities, concur with the NOVA Workforce Board and approve the submission of a proposal to the Department of Commerce for Technology Opportunities funding in an amount not to exceed $500,000. It is further recommended that, should funding be granted, that the City Manager be authorized to enter into the necessary grant agreement.

BACKGROUND:

Each year the U.S. Department of Commerce Technology Opportunities Program (TOP) issues a request for proposals for programs that promote the widespread availability and use of digital network technologies in the public and non-profit sectors. As part of the department’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration, TOP issues grants for model projects demonstrating innovative uses of network technologies.

Since 1994, TOP has offered matching grants to state, local and tribal governments, health care providers, schools, libraries, police departments, and community-based non-profit organizations. The projects TOP selects demonstrate how digital network technologies can be used to extend and improve the delivery of valuable services and opportunities to under-served Americans.

The Department of Commerce has $12.5 million available for federal assistance. TOP expects to award approximately 25 grants this year.

EXISTING POLICY:

The proposed activities are consistent with the City of Sunnyvale’s Socio-Economic Goal 5.1F: Provide job training and employment services, within constraints of operative Federal regulations and available Federal funding to address the locally-determined employment and training needs of economically disadvantaged residents and others with special needs.

DISCUSSION:

The goal of NOVA’s proposal is to prepare youth transitioning from alternative living environments to be productive members of the community through employment readiness, technology awareness and skills, and connection to a network of work-related mentors. The grant will target 175 youth enrolled in independent living programs between the ages of 17 to 21 over a two-year period. The project combines GED certification support, workplace and interpersonal skills training, mentorship and support services. The model includes components such as assessment and screening, employability and life skills training, community transition, and follow-up assessment and support. Partners in this project include the Bill Wilson Center, Social Advocates for Youth, and Junior Achievement of Santa Clara County.

The project approach requires youth that have not completed their high school diploma or GED to attend GED classes, with classroom instruction supplemented by the use of a Pocket PC assigned to each youth. Internet Explorer will be installed on the Pocket PC to provide for connection to SkillsTutor, an online GED test-preparation program. The SkillsTutor software offers individualized interactive instruction, quizzes, and practice drills for all the skills tested on the 2002 GED. Using the Pocket PC offers the youth convenient access to online GED skills and drill practices, and will serve as a critical bridge toward keeping them on the GED certification track. Additionally, the program proposes an online mentoring component for this project. Youth will use their Pocket PC to log on to the Youth@Work website, allowing them instant access to their mentor who provides them encouragement and support. The program also includes a website development class, employment skills training, career counseling, and support services.

As required by the Department of Commerce TOPS program, an independent evaluator will be actively involved in the evaluation process of this project, providing continual feedback regarding the program's implementation, successes, and opportunities for improvement. 

FISCAL IMPACT:

There will be no fiscal impact to the City because funds needed to support the activities outlined in this grant would be provided by the grant from TOP to the City of Sunnyvale. Funding for staffing, hardware, licensing, instruction and supplies, as well as administration and overhead are included in the planned budget.

PUBLIC CONTACT:

1.    Public meeting of the NOVA Workforce Board on March 27, 2002.

2.    Public meeting of the City of Sunnyvale City Council on April 16, 2002.

3.    Posting of Council Agenda.

4.    Copies of this report are available to the public upon request in the Library and on the City’s Internet home page

ALTERNATIVE COURSES OF ACTION:

1.    Concur with the NOVA Workforce Board and authorize contract submittal.

2     Modify or reject this request, or send the issue back to the NOVA Workforce Board for additional consideration.

RECOMMENDATION

Staff recommends that the Sunnyvale City Council, on behalf of the seven-city NOVA consortium, concurs with the NOVA Workforce Board and authorizes staff to submit a proposal to the U.S. Department of Commerce for Technology Opportunities Program funding in an amount not to exceed $500,000. If an award is granted, staff recommends that the City Manager be authorized to execute an agreement with the Department of Commerce.

Prepared by:
Sally Personett, Administrative Aide
Employment Development Department                   

Reviewed by:
Michael J. Curran, Director
Employment Development Department

Approved by:
Robert S. LaSala
City Manager