Youth Empowerment Committee signals preference for nonprofit partnerships as it frames $5M RFP

The Youth Empowerment Committee met Jan. 15 to gather input that will shape a forthcoming Youth Empowerment RFP. Chair Councilman Freeman offered four priority options for the RFP: (A) extend center hours to evenings and weekends; (B) increase programs in neighborhoods with limited access; (C) partner with nonprofits to expand STEM and trades programming; and (D) improve safety, lighting, transportation and supervision. Freeman said staff should use committee feedback when drafting the RFP and noted approximately $5 million would be available for appropriation.

Committee members weighed the options in the meeting. One member representing multiple districts said neighborhood needs vary and emphasized transportation barriers and the importance of meeting families where they are. Councilman Johnson said his first choice would be increasing programming (with STEAM — arts plus STEM — integrated), followed by partnerships; he ranked extending hours and safety lower on his list. Freeman said his top choice is “partnering with nonprofits to expand STEM and trades programming,” a preference he asked staff to consider when drafting the RFP.

During public comment, Blake Bass urged the city to build entrepreneurship opportunities that give young people reasons to remain in Jacksonville after college; Tina Pham, president of the Asian Chamber of Commerce, raised concerns about online crimes against children and requested partnership on prevention; Dr. Nashawn Nicks described Team Nitro MMA’s work with at-risk youth; John J. Newney referenced Council Resolution 2023-0819 and a CIP opportunity tied to a Pottsburg Creek park proposal; and Della Sellers described Girls of Virtue and Men of Vision empowerment centers and said her group uses a ‘Unite Us’ referral platform to streamline access to services.

No formal vote or procurement action occurred. Staff and the Kids Hope Alliance indicated eligibility rules (for example, whether churches could apply) and other RFP terms would be set in the RFP documents. The committee’s next meeting will focus on job training, career pathways and apprenticeships.