Reconnecting Youth to Economic and Education Opportunities Grant

The Reconnecting Youth to Economic and Education Opportunities initiative aims to combat youth disconnection in Forsyth County, where 14% of individuals aged 16-24 are disengaged from education and employment. The Trust supports organizations in developing action plans to reconnect these youths, particularly those of color, with educational and job opportunities. The focus is on grassroots efforts, stakeholder coordination, and capacity building to ensure marginalized populations can access living wage jobs and improve their quality of life.

Background
Research indicates that about 14 percent of Forsyth County’s youth ages 16-24 are considered “disconnected,” meaning they are not currently engaged in the education system or economic opportunities. Locally, the Trust is supporting organizations to convene and implement community-informed action plans for reconnecting youth, particularly youth of color, to educational opportunities and living wage jobs. The goal of this work is to identify opportunities and gaps for what is needed to effect lasting change in Forsyth County.
Opportunity Details
The Trust is interested in hearing from organizations implementing action plans. Efforts could include communications and advocacy campaigns, community engagement and public education work, capacity building, and convening partners. It could also involve grassroots groups working with the education and workforce systems to address barriers to accessing opportunity. Organizations responding to this announcement should have been involved, or show a willingness to get involved, in planning and convening with other community groups.
Goal
Increase the percentage of disconnected youth in Forsyth County who move into living wage jobs.
Strategy
Conduct broad-based communications, community education, and advocacy efforts that advance goals. Convene, facilitate, and coordinate stakeholders to collectively address goals. This could include better coordination within and across systems and regularly convening community partners.Build community, organizational, and individual capacity in areas with low incomes so that historically marginalized populations can participate in economic, education, and community improvement efforts.

Eligibility

Before applying, consider the following questions and requirements:

• Is your organization or work a good fit with the Trust?
• Are you located or operating in North Carolina?
• Does your work focus on improving quality of life and health for North Carolinians with low incomes?
• Do you primarily support populations experiencing poverty?

These populations include: individuals living at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level; the uninsured; and those eligible for Medicaid and/or the free/reduced school lunch program.
Are your clients (or focus population) residents of North Carolina? If yes, then you may fit our geographic criteria.
Organizations the Trust WILL fund:

• Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations
• Governmental entities

Ineligibility

Organizations the Trust WILL NOT fund:

• Individuals
• Faith-based organizations without 501(c)(3)
• Type III supporting organizations
• Organizations providing pass-through funds to an ineligible organization