NYEC April Newsletter

Congress Opens Programmatic and Community Project Funding Request 

 House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) has released guidance for Fiscal Year 2026 programmatic, language, and Community Project Funding (CPF) requests, signaling the start of the application process for federal funding opportunities. Programmatic funding supports specific government programs at set funding levels, language requests propose policy directives in appropriations bills, and Community Project Funding provides targeted support for local projects that benefit communities. Your organization can review the guidance carefully to determine their eligibility and prepare strong applications to secure funding for initiatives. More information about applying can be found here. Now is the time to explore how to advocate for funding to advance your organization or project! 

 

On the Hill: NYEC’s March Policy Engagement Recap

NYEC has had another active month on Capitol Hill this March! The Federal Policy Team met with the offices of Rep. McBath (GA-06), Rep. James (MI-10), Rep. Burgess Owens (UT-04), Rep. Virginia Foxx (NC-05), Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC), and HELP Committee staff to discuss WIOA reauthorization, appropriations, and the Bipartisan Opportunity Youth Caucus! We heard a strong, bipartisan sentiment that Congressional staff want to hear from YOU! If you are interested in meeting with your members of Congress to advocate for your organization and opportunity youth, the NYEC is here to help connect you. Contact our Policy Coordinator, Lindsey Smith ([email protected]), with assistance setting up a meeting, prepping for the meeting, and attending the meeting with you upon request. 

 

NYEC Initiatives 

NYEC Leads Sessions in Durham, Tampa Bay, Scranton, and More

NYEC recently completed in-person strategic planning sessions in six of the seven Youth Champion Communities: Durham, NC; Tampa, FL; Buffalo, NY; Everett, WA; Richmond, VA; and Scranton, PA. These sessions brought together young people, practitioners, and civic leaders to set bold, community-driven goals and explore strategies for collaboration and impact.

NYEC is excited to be heading to Albany, NY next month for the final in-person session! In each community, NYEC is facilitating conversations around shared challenges, brainstorming solutions, and helping participants identify measurable goals that reflect their vision for youth success within their communities.

Much of this work highlights the importance of community-wide collaboration. With that in mind, we’re proud to spotlight one of our outstanding YCC Phase One communities: San Antonio, TX. Through its Future Ready Bexar County Plan—a city-wide investment and collaboration initiative led by UP Partnership—San Antonio is facilitating data coordination, aligning pathways, and promoting policy change to support youth success. Their continued leadership serves as a powerful example for communities across the country.

Youth Housing and Employment Strategic Planning Initiative  

NYEC held its third Youth Housing and Employment Strategic Planning session of 2025 on April 10th. During the session, cities developed overarching goals they would like to accomplish as it relates to better supporting youth and young adults experiencing housing insecurity/homelessness. Upcoming sessions will focus on establishing measurable outcomes (specific data points) communities would like to reach (e.g. reduce the number of young people experiencing homelessness to zero by 2030) and developing SMART goals.  

Alongside our effort to develop programmatic solutions to reduce/end youth and young adult homelessness, we uplift policy solutions. This month, we would like to spotlight Maryland’s Governor Wes Moore, for signing Housing Legislation to Make Maryland More Affordable by, “addressing concentrated poverty in Maryland’s marginalized communities, reducing instability in Maryland’s housing supply and affordability, and NYEC held its third Youth Housing and Employment Strategic Planning session of 2025 on April 10th. During the session, cities developed overarching goals they would like to accomplish as it relates to better supporting youth and young adults experiencing housing insecurity/homelessness. Upcoming sessions will focus on establishing measurable outcomes (specific data points) communities would like to reach (e.g. reduce the number of young people experiencing homelessness to zero by 2030) and developing SMART goals.  

Alongside our effort to develop programmatic solutions to reduce/end youth and young adult homelessness, we uplift policy solutions. This month, we would like to spotlight Maryland’s Governor Wes Moore, for signing Housing Legislation to Make Maryland More Affordable by, “addressing concentrated poverty in Maryland’s marginalized communities, reducing instability in Marylan enhancing rights for Maryland renters.” 

 

Member Highlight

Positive Athlete recognizes high school student-athletes for their leadership, character, and community impact—not just their athletic ability. Each year, Positive Athlete awards scholarships and honors students who have overcome challenges, inspired their peers, and made a difference in their schools and communities.

Nominees receive access to exclusive leadership and workforce development opportunities, and winners can earn college scholarships and awards.

Through the Positive Athlete digital hub launching in Fall 2025, nominees will have access to:

● Career Readiness & Workforce Development – Internship and job opportunities with companies looking for high-character, teamwork-oriented employees

● Mentorship & Leadership Training – Direct access to leadership courses and industry professionals

● A Nationwide Network of Student-Athletes – Exclusive community connections for long-term success

Any nominated student-athlete receives lifetime free access to these resources. Nominate a deserving student today and help shape their future: PositiveAthlete.org