DC Youth and Young Adult Update 01-03-2025

NYEC’s Federal Policy Team is on holiday break. See below for a shortened policy update with funding opportunities and state-level updates 

News at NYEC: 

• Join the National Youth Employment Coalition’s 2025 Annual Forum- Empowering Youth, Transforming Communities, in Minneapolis, MN, from May 12-14, 2025! This event will gather practitioners, youth advocates, and community leaders to explore key topics like youth leadership, holistic supports, living wage employment, and policy & advocacy.  

• Fill out a 6-month Federal Advocacy Calendar!: Interested in being more engaged in federal advocacy? The hyperlinked title will direct you to a JotForm that lists concrete steps that you can take in the first 6 months of the year to build a relationship with your Members of Congress! NYEC will make it easy to complete each goal of every month by sharing support, reminders, and more! 

Federal Funding Opportunities with upcoming deadlines: 

• DOL Grant: Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) Initial Funding Allotments for Fiscal Year 2025: The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) is a federal tax credit available to employers for hiring and employing individuals from certain targeted groups who have faced significant barriers to employment. State workforce development agencies are the only eligible entity. Questions regarding this funding opportunity may be emailed to Rahel Bizuayene ([email protected]). Applications are due on January 6, 2025  

• DOS Grant: Youth Coalitions for Drug Demand Reduction: Applicants will use funds to carry out a project to improve youth engagement in drug demand reduction interventions, expanding access to community mental health services, and supporting drug prevention through school-based in underserved communities. The project should plan for implementation in at least 10 communities, including at least three communities each in Peru’s coast, Andean, and Amazonian regions. Applications are due January 10, 2025. 

From The States: 

• Arizona: Large employers are fueling Arizona’s economic surge. With the top 100 companies and nonprofits employing a record-breaking 528,000 workers (20% of all payroll jobs), the state’s economy is stronger than ever. This provides detailed employment figures from 2018 and 2019, categorized by industry, ownership type, and headquarters location. 

• California: California workers can now receive up to 90% of their usual pay when taking time off for family care or medical reasons. This groundbreaking increase in Paid Family Leave and Disability Insurance benefits marks a major step forward in supporting workers and their families. 

For The Youth: 

• Early Childhood Development Fellowship, funded by the Conrad Hilton Foundation: The REAL Centre & ESSA are pleased to announce new grant funding opportunities. Researchers can apply for grants of up to $15,000 to support their vital work. 

• Climate Change Fellowship (GELP): Ready to make a difference for the planet? The CEC’s Generation of Environmental Leaders Program provides a year of mentorship, networking opportunities, and $15,000 in seed funding to help you create positive change in your community. Plus, showcase your innovative solutions to top environmental leaders! 

Resources:  

• How To Build An Effective Community-Based Mentoring Program: Want to build a successful youth mentoring program? This workshop, part of the Baltimore Children & Youth Fund’s Youth Development Series, provides the tools and knowledge you need. Learn best practices, overcome challenges, and make a lasting impact on young lives. 

• The Mentoring Lab Youth Mentoring Training: Equip yourself to make a real difference in the lives of young people. The mentoring lab’s mentoring training provides evidence-based and trauma-informed strategies, giving you the tools and knowledge to navigate the complexities of youth work. Go beyond “cool conversations” and become a truly effective mentor.