Agenda Packet_2025-07-01 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Introduction: Rebuilding Careers Program for Young Adults Working Wardrobes for A New Start ("Working Wardrobes") proposes delivering workforce development services to twenty (20) out-of-school youth (ages 16-24) through its Rebuilding Careers Program for Young Adults. Eligible participants will meet specific risk criteria, including but not limited to being a dropout, experiencing homelessness, being a foster youth, parenting youth, justice-involved, disabled, or low-income and needing additional assistance. The program will provide job readiness training, skills development, supportive services, and paid job training and employment opportunities, all designed to help underserved, out-of-school youth successfully connect to employment, education, training, and support services. Participants will also gain access to WIOA-approved certifications and skills training in high-demand industries, with tuition assistance to cover associated costs. The goal is to prepare youth for long-term career success by equipping them with the necessary skills and resources. The initial program term will span twelve (12) months, ensuring comprehensive support throughout the participants' career development journey. Working Wardrobes is confident in its ability to enhance its impact and broaden service availability for the underserved population of out-of-school youth. Participant Eligibility 100% of participants will be out-of-school Santa Ana youth, ages 16-24, who are low-income and face significant barriers to entering the workforce. These barriers may include being transitional-age foster youth, experiencing homelessness, involvement with the justice system, or facing additional challenges such as basic literacy deficiencies, school dropout, runaway status, or parenting. Youth who are pregnant or parenting, offenders, or youth with disabilities requiring additional support to complete an educational program or secure and maintain employment are also eligible. All participants must be authorized to work in the United States. Outreach and Participant Identification Working Wardrobes will recruit participants through partnerships with mission-aligned organizations serving transitional-age foster youth, youth experiencing homelessness, and justice-involved youth. Recruitment will also occur through our core Rebuilding Careers workforce skills training program by identifying eligible youth already enrolled in our services who would benefit from this specialized program. Additionally, Working Wardrobes will leverage our network of more than 18S government, social service, educational, and faith-based partners throughout Orange County, many of whom regularly refer youth to our services. Intake and Assessment Working Wardrobes will implement a comprehensive intake process to verify participant eligibility, ensure understanding of the program's services, and assess commitment to achieving personal and employment goals, in alignment with the City of Santa Ana's RFP No. 25-019A. This process includes an objective evaluation of each participant's academic skills and service needs through the administration of the on line Test for Adult Basic Education (TABE) or CASA assessment tool. Youth needing tutoring or remedial support in literacy or numeracy will be referred to community partners for additional resources. Upon confirmation of eligibility, participants may also complete the O*NET Career Assessment to inform their individualized 3 EXHIBIT 2 City Council 10 – 189 7/1/2025