The Seattle Office of Economic Development’s (OED’s) Career Connected Learning programs are specifically focused on ensuring local youth have the skills, knowledge and networks to connect to the region’s economy. Our Career Connected Learning programs are operating within the context of two economic forces that are exacerbating existing racial and economic disparities and further exposing the vulnerabilities of many of Seattle’s workers and businesses: COVID-19 and the rise of automation.
Resources and opportunities for youth are critical as young people are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 related job loss, and the reduction of career connected learning experiences and internships due to economic impacts. Additionally, people of color and women, and those with lower levels of educational attainment – already over-represented among the out of work and low-wage workforce – are bearing the brunt of the impact. Solutions will require new and innovative approaches to ensure we are collectively working toward our goal of achieving an inclusive economy.
The second disruptive force is the rise of automation, artificial intelligence and similar technologies. Without intentional strategies, it will further “hollow out” the economy and magnify the disparities that already existed. Preparing youth with skills for the emerging economy, such as digital literacy, adaptability, social-emotional skills and creativity, will enable more of our young people to participate in, and benefit from, a changing economy. These changing conditions only increase the urgency to invest in youth and young adults.
This RFP is intended to provide Career Connected Learning opportunities to low-income youth who have historically had limited access due to systemic racial, ethnic and economic segregation. We are interested in funding systemic strategies to support and empower youth from Black, Indigenous and Persons of Color (BIPOC) communities to connect to key sectors in the economy. Activities should be aligned to build talent pipelines to OED’s key industries: IT, Creative, Maritime, Manufacturing and Clean Technology, all of which provide access to middle wage jobs and career progression. Applicants will be evaluated based on their ability to support youth and young adults move away from jobs at risk of being eliminated either due to COVID-19 or advancing technology, toward the emerging economy of the future.
Successful applicants will demonstrate their ability to support BIPOC youth who otherwise would not have the opportunities or networks to build connections to the labor markets. Awarded grantees will have demonstrated their ability to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 in their communities, build capacity and the infrastructure within their organizations to provide career connected learning experiences for youth ages 14-24 that create deeper connections to the workforce, and support youth to build social capital.
Timeline
RFP Released: August 5, 2020
Question Period: August 5, 2020 – August 21, 2020.
You may submit questions to [email protected] related to the application and process. Questions and answers will be posted below.
Proposals Due: Proposals must be emailed to [email protected] by midnight on August 30, 2020.
View the full RFP details and requirements on the Seattle OED Career Connected Learning Grants webpage