Title
Authorizing the Department of Parks and Recreation to apply for grant funds, in an amount of up to $800,000, from the Minnesota Department of Cannabis Management’s CanRenew Community Restoration grant for Right Track, the City’s Youth Employment Program for SFY 2027.
Body
WHEREAS, the Department of Parks and Recreation is prepared to accept grant funds from the Minnesota Department of Cannabis Management for Right Track, the City’s Youth Employment Program; and
WHEREAS, CanRenew grant funds, if awarded, will support paid, year-round internship and employment opportunities for Saint Paul youth who have been disproportionately impacted by cannabis prohibition; and
WHEREAS, the grant funds, if awarded, will provide wages for youth participating in summer and school year internships with Right Track in City recreation centers, libraries, and other City departments; and
WHEREAS, the grant funds, if awarded, will support youth leadership development, civic engagement, and participation in City governance through opportunities such as the Saint Paul Youth Commission and Youth on Boards; and
WHEREAS, the grant funds, if awarded, will support youth-led community engagement to expand and improve teen programming in recreation centers and libraries; and
WHEREAS, the grant funds, if awarded, will provide enhanced training, professional development, and program support to improve program quality for youth participants, including staffing support as needed; and
WHEREAS, the mission of Right Track is to connect Saint Paul youth and young adults with meaningful paid work experience, training, and career exploration opportunities so they are prepared to thrive and prosper; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the Right Track program serves a public purpose and aligns with the objectives of the CanRenew Community Restoration Grant; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the City Council of Saint Paul hereby authorizes the Department of Parks ...
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