Item Description:
title
Amd 1 to Agmts HS00001644 with HIRED and HS00001647 with Avivo to allow for the acceptance of 2026 Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Young Adult grant funds, ext end dates to 03/31/28 and incr the combined NTE by $30,000 for a new total combined NTE of $850,000
end
Resolution:
body
BE IT RESOLVED, that Amendment 1 to Agreement HS00001644 with HIRED for the provisions of services for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Young Adult program to eligible participants, extending the term to March 31, 2028 and increasing the not to exceed amount by $15,000 for a new total not to exceed amount of $425,000, be approved; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Amendment 1 to Agreement HS00001647 with Avivo for the provisions of services for the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Young Adult program to eligible participants, extending the term to March 31, 2028 and increasing the not to exceed amount by $15,000 for a new total not to exceed amount of $425,000.00, be approved; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Chair of the Board be authorized to sign the Amendments on behalf of the County; and the Controller be authorized to accept and disburse funds as directed; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the acceptance of grant funding by Hennepin County Board of Commissioners does not imply a continued funding commitment by Hennepin County for this program when grant funds are no longer available.
end
Background:
Under Title I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), the WIOA Young Adult Program is a federally funded initiative designed to strengthen and enhance the public workforce system. Its purpose is to assist Opportunity Youth facing significant barriers to employment in exploring employment, education, and training opportunities and securing high-quality jobs and careers, while supporting employers in hiring skilled workers.
Under Resolution 25-0119, Hennepin County is authorized to receive funding from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) for the period of January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2029. These funds support services under the WIOA Adult, Youth, Dislocated Worker, State Dislocated Worker, and Minnesota Youth Programs.
On November 16, 2023, the Hennepin-Carver Workforce Development Board (HCWDB) issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) in accordance with Hennepin County requirements for the WIOA Young Adult Program and Minnesota Youth Program. Following an independent review by an eight-member panel, Hired and Avivo were selected to provide WIOA Youth services for the period April 1, 2024, through March 31, 2027.
To enable Hired and Avivo to receive and fully utilize PY26 WIOA Young Adult grant funds, the contract terms must be extended through March 31, 2028, aligning with the PY26 grant period (April 1, 2026 - March 31, 2028). Additionally, the combined not to exceed amounts will be increased by $30,000 to accommodate the allocation of PY26 funds.
The agreements HS00001644 (Hired) and HS00001647 (Avivo) include the following mandated program services:
Career Services: Outreach, job search and placement assistance, comprehensive assessments, individualized employment plans, counseling, career planning, and labor market information for all job seekers.
Training Services: Connections to job opportunities within local communities, including occupational training and basic skills development.
Support Services: Assistance with transportation, child care, dependent care, housing, and other supports as needed to enable program participation.
WIOA Youth Services: Summer and year-round employment, work experience, and academic enrichment for suburban Hennepin County and Carver County youth, with a target of 75% out-of-school youth and 25% in-school youth.
During PY24 and PY25, the WIOA Young Adult Program has made a significant impact on Opportunity Youth in suburban Hennepin County. Since the start of their contracts, Hired and Avivo have served 80 young people. Of the 20 youth who have exited the program, 16 successfully entered unsubsidized employment or pursued post-secondary education, resulting in an 80% successful exit rate. Both providers have demonstrated strong performance and are well-positioned to continue delivering high-quality services through PY26.
recommendation
Recommendation from County Administrator: Recommend Approval