ORANGE COUNTY ASIAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER COMMUNITY ALLIANCE

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2 I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Orange County Asian and Pacific Islander Community Alliance, Inc. (OCAPICA) was established in 1997 with the mission to build a healthier and stronger community by enhancing the well-being of underserved families through inclusive partnerships. OCAPICA operates 19 different culturally competent programs in the areas of health, mental health, youth development and leadership, community and economic development, education, and policy serving mainly very low-income individuals throughout Southern California. OCAPICA has 16 years of administering education and training programs and six years of experience in case management programs for underserved youth and young adults of all ethnic backgrounds, including those of African American, Asian American, Caucasian, Latino, and Pacific Islander heritage. Since 2010, OCAPICA has operated a Workforce Investment Act -funded Youth Employment Program administered by the Orange County Workforce Investment Board (OCWIB) for the West region of the County. In addition, OCAPICA has served Santa Ana transitional age youth ages 16-24 through the OCWIB's CaIGRIP program. Several youth are at risk for dropping out of school, basic skills deficient, foster youth, emancipated, pregnant/ parenting, and/or have a disability. About 60% have housing insecurity issues; 30% have severe mental health needs; and about 20% are ex -gang members, formerly incarcerated, or are on probation. In -School youth are referred to OCAPICA from their school counselors and faculty, parents/family, and the OC Dept. of Education's ACCESS Safe Schools program. Out -of - School youth are referred from peers, family, Probation, community and faith -based organizations, and through community outreach. OCAPICA is requesting $101,340.00 to serve 15 Youth aged 16 to 21 (8 In -School Youth and 7 Out -of -School Youth). At least 10% of youth enrolled will be foster youth, youth on probation, and youth with disabilities. The goal of this program is to create services and implement systems -change strategies that provide very low-income youth with skills and leadership to access living wage jobs and careers, complete high school, reduce delinquency, and improve opportunities out of poverty. This will be accomplished by providing long-term comprehensive support and training, which includes: (1) intensive case management; (2) academic skills building, tutoring, and college preparation; (3) job training, work placement, and career exploration; (4) leadership skills development via internships and community service; (5) social/peer support and mentoring for youth and their families; and (6) mental health and/or addiction counseling. Our goal will be to reduce barriers to employment and higher wage careers for the target populations. Planned outcomes will be tracked according to the Common Measures: (1) Placement in Employment or Education; (2) Attainment of a Degree of Certificate; and (3) Literacy/Numeracy Gains. OCAPICA youth service model takes a comprehensive approach, which overlaps with several WIA Program Elements, specifically: Tutoring, study skills, and dropout prevention strategies; Leadership Development; Alternative secondary school offerings (through referrals); Supportive services; Summer employment opportunities; Comprehensive Guidance and counseling; Paid and unpaid work experience; 12-month follow-up activities; and Occupational skill training through referrals. II. EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS A. OCAPICA has been serving Santa Ana youth since 1999 starting with afterschool programs, support for families, leadership development, children's health and safety, mental health and college preparation and leadership development programs. Schools that our youth attend EXHIBIT A