DC Youth and Young Adult Update 7-19-2024

By NYEC | July 19, 2024

 

 

News at NYEC:  

  • NYEC’s Youth Days Will Take Place September 11-13. We invite practitioners, community and organization leaders, and young people to join us in Washington, DC to advocate for Opportunity Youth at the federal level! This year’s event features a dynamic mix of virtual preparation and in-person interaction in Washington, DC. The virtual advocacy training sessions begin in August, so reserve your spot now! If you are new to policy and advocacy or a skilled advocate, you want to join us! We have a limited number of slots, so please register soon! More details, including virtual preparation session descriptions and dates and a detailed agenda for the in-person event, can be found in the hyperlinked title! 
  • NYEC Encourages Members to Educate their Members of Congress about the Importance of Investing in Opportunity Youth: As we shared last week, the House Appropriations Committee advanced its Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies bill, which includes many federal programs of importance to NYEC. If enacted, the bill would significantly cut or eliminate crucial federal programs that support opportunity youth. The bill proposes to eliminate WIOA Youth funding and cut Apprenticeship and the Reentry Employment Opportunities program by nearly 50 percent. Now is the time to contact your members of Congress to share why it’s crucial to robustly invest in programs that support opportunity youth. You can find an email/call template here. If you need contact information for your members of Congress, you can either directly call their DC office or email nathan.hora@nyec.org.  
  • Recruit Your Representative to the Bipartisan Opportunity Youth Caucus! We are calling on NYEC members to recruit your Representative to the Bipartisan Opportunity Youth Caucus (BOYC)! NYEC staff continue to meet with key Congressional offices to ask that they join the BOYC, which will promote research and policies to support young people ages 16-24 who face barriers to employment or education and are at-risk of experiencing disconnection – also referred to as Opportunity Youth. As of today, Co-chairs Rep. Michelle Steel (R-CA) and Rep. Troy Carter (D-LA), and Rep. Don Davis (D-NC) are the three members of the BYOC. Please ask your Representative to join the Bipartisan Opportunity Youth Caucus by using this template! If you would like assistance preparing for the meeting or would like to discuss it further, please contact nathan.hora@nyec.org. 

Executive Branch: 

Legislative Branch:  

Federal Funding Opportunities:  

From The States: 

  • California: In California, Governor Gavin Newsom’s administration has made substantial progress in transforming the state’s mental health system. This effort is marked by the passage of Proposition 1, which refocuses existing funds to prioritize those with the most severe mental health and substance use issues, many of whom are experiencing homelessness. The $6.38 billion bond associated with this proposition will fund the creation of over 11,150 new behavioral health beds and supportive housing units, as well as 26,700 outpatient treatment slots. This initiative aims to fill critical gaps in mental health care and support, addressing the needs of various vulnerable groups, including homeless veterans and those with severe mental illnesses. 
  • Oklahoma: The Mental Health Association Oklahoma (MHAO) received a $1.2 million grant from the National Housing Trust Fund to renovate 16 multifamily units in Tulsa. These units will provide transitional housing for individuals experiencing homelessness who need proximity to mental health support services. This initiative aligns with the housing-first philosophy, which emphasizes that stable housing is a crucial precursor to effective mental health treatment. Outreach teams in Oklahoma are actively working to bridge the gap between homelessness and permanent housing by providing necessary support services for mental health and substance abuse issues 

For The Youth: 

  • NASA Internship Programs (Deadline: 8/23): Join NASA’s Internship Programs to gain hands-on experience in STEM fields. This paid internship offers opportunities for both on-site and remote work, guided by NASA mentors. Ideal for current students and recent graduates, these internships can lead to full-time employment with NASA. 
  • European Commission Blue Book Traineeship 2025 (Deadline: 8/30): Apply for the European Commission Blue Book Traineeship for a fully-funded experience that offers practical training in EU institutions, bodies, and agencies. Trainees receive a monthly grant and reimbursement of travel expenses. This program is ideal for young professionals looking to gain experience in EU operations and policy-making. 
  • The Gates Scholarship 2025 (Deadline: 9/15): Apply for The Gates Scholarship, a highly selective, last-dollar scholarship for exceptional, Pell-eligible minority high school seniors. The scholarship covers the full cost of attendance not already covered by other financial aid and the expected family contribution, including tuition, fees, room, board, books, and transportation. Ideal for students with outstanding academic records and leadership potential. 
  • World Wildlife Fund (Deadline: 8/1): The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is looking to honor young conservationists making remarkable efforts in protecting nature and biodiversity through the WWF-US Youth Conservation Leadership Award. This award is open to US residents aged 18 to 30 who are leading initiatives in areas such as climate change mitigation, wildlife conservation, environmental justice, food waste reduction, and habitat protection. The winner will receive $5,000 to support their academic or professional development related to conservation. However, federal, state, or local government employees, current or former WWF network staff or their immediate family, and previous award winners are ineligible to apply. 

Resources: 

  • Collaborative Approaches to Providing Mental Health and Law Enforcement Services (8/20): This initiative aligns with California’s ongoing efforts to transform its mental health system under Proposition 1, which emphasizes the need for comprehensive and community-based care for individuals with severe mental health and substance use disorders. By attending this webinar, participants will gain valuable knowledge on how to bridge the gap between mental health services and law enforcement, ensuring a more holistic and humane approach to crisis management. 
  • Public Housing and Serious Mental Illness: Practical Recommendations for Housing Providers (8/7): This webinar will provide an overview of serious mental illness and offer effective policies and practical recommendations for housing providers. The session is designed to support housing providers in understanding the unique needs of individuals with serious mental illnesses and how to create supportive housing environments that promote stability and recovery. This aligns with Oklahoma’s focus on integrating housing and mental health services to assist those experiencing homelessness. 
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