By Cathy Locke
clocke@sacbee.com
The state of California is making $6 million in grants available to expand education, job training and placement programs for young street gang members or youths who may be prone to join gangs as part of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's California Gang Reduction, Intervention and Prevention Initiative, or CalGRIP.
"These grants will offer at-risk youth throughout California a chance to turn their backs on a life of crime and become contributing members of their communities," Gov. Schwarzenegger said in a prepared statement today announcing the new funding. "This investment will help young Californians develop the life-long skills needed to succeed and not get caught up in gangs and violence."
As part of the CalGRIP initiative, the Employment Development Department is soliciting grant proposals to implement education, job training, supportive service and job placement programs for youths, according to a news release from the Governor's Office.
Proposals will be accepted from public, private nonprofit and private for-profit organizations through June 14. They should target youths 14 to 24 years of age who are at risk of joining gangs or are already gang members.
The EDD seeks proposals that promote career pathways that place at-risk youth in part-time employment tin after-school programs, while providing post-secondary education that will lead to teaching, community and social service positions, such as licensed social worker, youth worker or counselor.
Proposed strategies should be comprehensive and community-focused, providing a holistic approach to serving youth, according to the news release.
Funding for the grants is drawn from the governor's 15 percent Discretionary Workforce Investment Act funds under the administrative authority of the Employment Development Department.
For more information or to submit a grant application, see the EDD website.
Call The Bee's Cathy Locke, (916) 321-5287.
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