Youth Employment Initiative: Request for Proposals (RFP)

Epidaurus, operating as Amity Foundation, in collaboration with the California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) and California Office of Youth and Community Restoration (OYCR) is excited to announce the release of the Youth Employment Initiative (YEI) Request for Proposals (RFP) in Sacramento County.

This initiative invites community-based organizations to apply for funding to provide critical services for justice-involved youth with disabilities, helping them reintegrate into their communities through meaningful employment opportunities. The selected organizations will design and deliver innovative programs that address the unique challenges faced by these young individuals, empowering them to overcome barriers to success.

Overview

The Youth Employment Initiative aims to identify qualified community-based organizations capable of delivering tailored workforce development services in each of the participating counties. These services will focus on preparing youth with disabilities involved in the justice system for sustainable employment opportunities, both during custody and as they transition back into the community.

Selected organizations will provide the following Six Core Services:

1. Job Exploration Counseling: Guidance to help youth explore career options aligned with their interests, skills, and local job market demands.

2. Work-Based Learning Experiences: Facilitation of hands-on learning through internships, apprenticeships, and paid work experiences to build practical job skills.

3. Postsecondary Counseling: Educational counseling, including support with FAFSA applications, admissions to colleges, trade schools, or vocational programs.

4. Workplace Readiness Training: Development of essential workplace skills such as communication, teamwork, time management, and digital and financial literacy.

5. Self-Advocacy Training: Empowerment for youth to advocate for themselves in educational and workplace settings, including requesting accommodations and understanding their legal rights.

6. Job Placement and Retention Services: Support in securing meaningful employment and providing ongoing post-placement support to ensure success in the workforce.

Who Can Apply

The RFP is open to nonprofit organizations, public sector organizations (such as community colleges and school districts), and other entities providing public services. Applicants must reside in or maintain a physical presence within the county they propose to serve.

Additional eligibility requirements include:

• Expertise in workforce development and familiarity with the needs of justice-involved youth with disabilities.

• Registration with the California Secretary of State in Good Standing at the time of application.

• A separate application must be submitted for each county where services are proposed.

How to Apply

Applications can be accessed through the dedicated county-specific links below. Each county's page contains all relevant RFP information, including submission instructions, timelines, and resources.

Key Dates:

• Applications Open: April 21, 2025

• Applications Due: May 9, 2025

Informational Webinar / Bidder’s Conference

Pre-recorded webinars providing a walk-through of the application process are available at the link below. Click the orange button under "Bidder's Conferences Recordings.

For additional information, please contact:
Programmatic Questions:
Cesar Perez, Regional Administrator
Email: CPerez@amityfdn.org

Technical Questions:
Rebecca Gray, Grants Administrator
Email: TPAGrants@amityfdn.org

We encourage all eligible organizations to apply and look forward to partnering with you to make a lasting impact on the lives of justice-involved youth with disabilities. Together, we can help create brighter futures for these young individuals!