Title
Authorizing the Department of Parks and Recreation to apply for and, if awarded, accept a grant from the Wallace Foundation for the purpose of implementing strategies to gather reliable information on youth participation in out-of-school time learning and youth outcomes across the City; to work with Saint Paul Public Schools to connect the times and places where young people learn; and to improve the quality of out-of-time learning opportunities through the Sprockets Out-of School Time Network.
Body
WHEREAS, the Department of Parks and Recreation is requesting permission to apply for grant funds from The Wallace Foundation for the purpose of implementing strategies to gather reliable information on youth participation in out-of-school time learning and youth outcomes across the city, work with Saint Paul Public Schools to connect the times and places where young people learn, and to improve the quality of out-of-school time (OST) learning opportunities through the Sprockets Out-of School Time network, and
WHEREAS, through 2009 focus groups, Sprockets Network members identified challenges to show the impact of young people's participation in OST learning, access comprehensive information about what programs exist where and when, to ensure quality in youth programs, and to intentionally link in-school and out-of-school time learning opportunities, and
WHEREAS, in 2009, 25 youth-serving organizations responded to a survey conducted by a Parks and Recreation staff member on their data collection practices, and all said they would be interested in participating in a citywide OST management information system if it was available, and
WHEREAS, Mayor Chris Coleman and Superintendent Valeria Silva launched Sprockets, Saint Paul's Out-of-School Time Network on March 31st with a public commitment to work together to improve youth outcomes by connecting in-school and out-of-school time learning; and
WHEREAS, research by The Wallace Foundation found that successful city OST systems put mechanisms in place for six key building blocks including reliable information and a commitment to quality; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Parks and Recreation is requesting permission to apply for grant funds from The Wallace Foundation to develop: tools that track youth outcomes, a Sprockets/Promise Neighborhood management information system, a Saturday School model that integrates teacher and youth worker expertise and ensures high quality, and professional development that strengthens the quality of out-of-school time learning, now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Saint Paul authorizes the Department of Parks and Recreation to apply for and, if awarded, accept these funds from The Wallace Foundation.