What Technology Funding Covers (and Excludes)

Operationalizing Youth/Out-of-School Youth Programs: Challenges and Considerations for Grant ApplicantsAs a funder supporting research projects addressing educational disparities for children from birth through age 21, the Banking Institution's Grants For A Balanced Educational Opportunities program requires careful operational planning from applicants. Specifically, those working with Youth/Out-of-School Youth must navigate unique challenges in delivering effective programs. To successfully implement a grant-funded project, applicants must first understand the scope and boundaries of the Youth/Out-of-School Youth sector. This includes recognizing the concrete use cases for such programs, such as providing alternative education pathways, vocational training, or mentorship opportunities for youth who are not currently enrolled in traditional educational settings. Applicants should be aware that this sector is not limited to traditional educational institutions, but can also involve community-based organizations, non-profits, and other entities that serve out-of-school youth. The target population for these programs is youth aged 16-21 who are not currently enrolled in school or are at risk of dropping out. One key regulation that applies to this sector is the requirement to comply with the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act, which mandates that programs serving out-of-school youth provide career and technical education that is aligned with industry needs and prepares youth for post-secondary education and employment. This requirement highlights the importance of collaboration with local businesses and industries to ensure that program curricula are relevant and effective. For example, a program in Illinois might partner with a local manufacturing company to provide vocational training in skilled trades, while a program in Maryland might work with a healthcare provider to offer training in nursing or medical assisting. ### Trends and Priorities in Youth/Out-of-School Youth ProgramsThe current policy and market landscape prioritizes programs that address the specific needs of out-of-school youth, particularly those from low-income backgrounds or who have experienced trauma or other forms of adversity. Capacity requirements for programs serving this population include the ability to provide trauma-informed care, mental health support, and academic or vocational training that is tailored to the needs of individual youth. To meet these needs, programs may need to invest in staff training and development, as well as in resources such as counseling services or mentorship programs. For instance, a program in Nevada might focus on providing support services for refugee or immigrant youth, while a program in Indiana might prioritize serving youth with disabilities. In terms of delivery challenges, one verifiable constraint unique to this sector is the difficulty of engaging and retaining out-of-school youth in program activities. This can be due to a range of factors, including lack of trust, competing priorities, or limited access to transportation or other resources. To overcome these challenges, programs may need to adopt flexible and innovative approaches to outreach and engagement, such as using mobile services or partnering with other organizations that serve the same population. For example, a program might offer incentives such as stipends or job training opportunities to encourage youth to participate. From an operational perspective, staffing and resource requirements for Youth/Out-of-School Youth programs can be significant. Programs may need to hire staff with specialized expertise in areas such as trauma-informed care, career and technical education, or mental health support. Additionally, programs may need to invest in resources such as technology, equipment, or facilities to provide high-quality educational and training experiences. To manage these resources effectively, programs should develop clear workflows and staffing plans that take into account the unique needs and challenges of serving out-of-school youth. ### Managing Risk and Ensuring Compliance in Youth/Out-of-School Youth ProgramsEligibility barriers for grant applicants in this sector can include lack of experience working with out-of-school youth, inadequate infrastructure or resources, or insufficient capacity to provide the required services. To mitigate these risks, applicants should carefully review the grant requirements and ensure that they have the necessary expertise, resources, and infrastructure to deliver a high-quality program. Compliance traps can include failure to adhere to relevant regulations, such as the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act, or failure to maintain accurate records and reporting requirements. Applicants should be aware that funding will not be provided for programs that do not meet these requirements. In terms of measurement and evaluation, grant applicants will be required to report on specific outcomes and KPIs, such as program enrollment and retention rates, academic or vocational gains, and post-program employment or education outcomes. To meet these requirements, programs should develop robust data collection and reporting systems, as well as evaluation plans that assess the effectiveness of their services. For example, a program might track the number of youth who complete a vocational training program and secure employment in their field of study. Q: How can I ensure that my program is eligible for funding under the Grants For A Balanced Educational Opportunities program? A: To be eligible, your program must serve youth aged 16-21 who are not currently enrolled in school or are at risk of dropping out, and must provide career and technical education that is aligned with industry needs. Be sure to review the grant requirements carefully and ensure that your program meets all necessary criteria, including compliance with the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act. Q: What types of expenses are allowable under this grant program? A: Allowable expenses may include staff salaries and benefits, program resources and materials, technology and equipment, and facilities costs. However, expenses must be directly related to the delivery of program services and must be reasonable and necessary. Be sure to review the grant agreement and budget guidelines carefully to ensure that your expenses are allowable. Q: How can I measure the success of my program in terms of outcomes and KPIs? A: To measure success, you will need to track and report on specific outcomes such as program enrollment and retention rates, academic or vocational gains, and post-program employment or education outcomes. Be sure to develop a robust data collection and reporting system, as well as an evaluation plan that assesses the effectiveness of your services. Consider using metrics such as the number of youth who complete a vocational training program and secure employment in their field of study.