Specifications include, but are not limited to: The County of Hennepin, State of Minnesota (Hennepin County or County), acting in collaboration with the Hennepin-Carver Workforce Development Board (HCWDB), is soliciting proposals for the operation of youth career development programs in suburban Hennepin County (excluding Minneapolis). Selected proposers will carry out youth career development activities funded by and guided by the policies of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA Youth) and the Minnesota Youth Program (MYP). Proposers may apply for one or both programs according to their capacity and ability to provide services in accordance with program policies. The start date for youth career development programs under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act is April 1, 2024, with the end date for services of March 31, 2027. The start date for MYP services is July 1, 2024, with the end date for services of June 30, 2027. The County may make multiple awards based on geography, capacity or other factors determined by the County. The WIOA Young Adult Program (WIOA Youth) serves disconnected youth ages 14 to 24 who may be experiencing homelessness, involvement in the juvenile justice system, poverty, and other barriers to education, training and employment. The program incorporates a framework of services which must include intake, objective assessments, the development of individual service strategies, case management, supportive services, and follow-up services. WIOA Youth prioritizes services to out-of-school youth and work experience. A minimum of 75% of funding must be used to serve out-of-school youth, and a minimum of 20% of funding must be spent on work experiences. Emphasis is placed on individual participant need and all programs and services must be client driven and not program driven. Programs must be geared to the needs of the youth and the regional economy of Hennepin County.
