Youth Empowerment Program
Grant: Youth Empowerment Program (YEP)
Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
Division: Office of the Secretary, Office of Minority Health
Deadline: June 8, 2012
Description: The Youth Empowerment Program (YEP) seeks to address unhealthy behaviors in at-risk minority youth, and provide them with opportunities to learn skills and gain experiences that contribute to more positive lifestyles. YEP supports a variety of projects including those that provide targeted youth with life skills to use even after they exit the program; academic enrichment and mentoring activities; career exposure; information and guidance on embracing healthy choices and lifestyles; and endless community service opportunities to help youth build a strong relationship with their community.
Under this program, HHS requires a highly innovative and multi-partnership collaborative approach involving institutions of higher education, primary and secondary schools, sports organizations, youth clubs, other related community organizations and institutions, and the community at-large on reducing risky behaviors among targeted minority youth 10 to 18 years of age. By building these partnerships, it is expected that the YEP will result in the following:
- Reduction in or elimination of high risk behaviors, including harmful behaviors resulting in morbidity and mortality among youth and adults.
- Strengthening of protective/resiliency factors.
- Development of sustainable basic life skills needed to deal with the demands of everyday life.
- Development of life skills and behaviors that lead to healthier lifestyle choices and to overall success in life.
Under this program, grantees are required to build a youth center where project activities for families will take place. Within this facility, a comprehensive program of support and education should be provided including academic enrichment, personal development and wellness, and cultural enrichment and career development. Examples of past project activities include:
- Tutoring.
- Access to music, dance and other related activities.
- Peer leadership skills training.
- Educational activities related to drug use.
- Positive youth development including stress management, anger management, school drop-out prevention, and addressing absenteeism and other factors that contribute to higher rates of expulsion from school.
- Access to and utilization of social networking tools (Twitter, Facebook, organization websites) to foster communication among participants and keep youth informed of ongoing events and activities.
Fit for Public Broadcasting: This is an excellent partnership opportunity for stations interested in targeting at-risk youth. University licensees may find a natural fit partnering with their university. Those stations that already have developed projects and activities related to educational and/or community outreach, especially those involved in the American Graduate initiative, are encouraged to seek out potential partners.
Eligibility: Stations must partner with eligible applicants as part of this program. Eligible applicants include an Institution of Higher Education/Learning, Community College or Tribal College with a demonstrated history of working in communities with at-risk, minority youth (ages 10-18).
Anticipated Funding: An estimated $1.5 million is available in FY2012, and will be granted to between five and six awards. The average award range is between $250,000 and $300,000 per year. Cooperative agreements will be funded in annual increments and are generally approved for a project period of up to five years.
How to Apply: Applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov. Online submission requires registration, a process that usually takes three to five business days but can take as long as four weeks. Be sure to visit Grants.gov and begin registering well in advance of the grant deadline.
Resources:
Program Notice
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Grants and Funding Website
