Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) is seeking the services of an agency experienced in providing a Youth Development program. This request serves two (2) Fairbanks area public housing properties. Birch Park I, a 47-unit family development located at 505 Stewart St. Age eligible children: 52 Birch Park II, a 28-unit family development located at 1516 Gillam Way. Age eligible children: 47 The program may serve all ages, but must target and include groups comprised of youth ages 6 to 14 years of age. The desired outcome of the program is the reduction of risk factors such as low commitment to productive activities, conduct problems, poor academic performances, and high absenteeism. The conceptual framework for an After School Youth Development Program is found in the publication Starting Out Right, Developmental Assets for Children, a Search Institute report by Nancy Leffert, PhD, Peter L. Benson, PhD, and Jolene l Roehikepartain, published in 1997. The Search Institute recommends that the program focuses on the development of 40 assets for children. Contractors are encouraged to review the publication for background to this solicitation. The particular assets that AHFC is targeting for development are: • Positive family communication • Other adult resources and relationships • Parent involvement in out-of-home situations • Instilling value in children by assigning useful roles • Boundaries inside and outside of the home • Adult role models, positive peer observations and interactions • Setting expectations for growth through homework, achievement, engagement, and creative and stimulating activities • Bonding to school, enjoyment of learning, and reading for pleasure • Self-esteem personal power, peaceful conflict resolution, and resistance skills
