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Report regarding a resolution approving the acceptance of a grant in the amount of $50,000 from the San Mateo County Strong Out of School Grant Program for the Parks and Recreation Department’s Los Cerritos Recreation, Enrichment, and Learning (REAL) Program, and amending the Parks and Recreation Department’s Fiscal Year 2022-23 Operating Budget pursuant to budget amendment #23.029. (Greg Mediati, Parks and Recreation Director)
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RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution approving the acceptance of a grant in the amount of $50,000 from the San Mateo County Strong Out of School Grant Program for the Parks and Recreation Department’s Los Cerritos Recreation, Enrichment, and Learning (REAL) Program, and amending the Parks and Recreation Department’s Fiscal Year 2022-23 Operating Budget pursuant to budget amendment #23.029.
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BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
On July 26, 2022, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors approved $2,562,500 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to create the San Mateo County 2022-23 Out-of-School Care Grant Program. This grant program is for providers that commit to using grant funds to expand access to existing out-of-school care programs for low-income families and youth from historically marginalized, underrepresented backgrounds or communities (e.g., students with special needs, those in foster care, English language learners, and those experiencing homelessness), support the social-emotional well-being of youth to mitigate the setbacks and hardships associated with COVID-19, and provide opportunities for youth to reinspire and propel learning to counterbalance the loss of learning opportunities attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic and distance learning.
Selected grantees were awarded funding proportional to the number of youth they currently serve. Program sites currently serving less than 100 youth had the potential to earn $50,000, and sites serving 100 or more youth had the potential to earn $75,000. Applications for more than one site that met the eligibility guidelines were accepted, and one application for each site was required.
Staff submitted applications for three sites: Martin REAL Program, Los Cerritos REAL Program, and Spruce After School Recreation Program. Only the application for the Los Cerritos REAL Program was awarded with a grant of $50,000. As identified in the grant application, these grant funds will provide funding for additional staff, staff recruitment, and scholarships.
The Los Cerritos After School Recreation Program currently serves students with a ratio of one after school teacher to 20 students. The grant will allow the Department to hire three additional part-time hourly staff members for the program, reducing teacher to student ratios from 1:20 to 1:10. To assist in the hiring effort, incentives will be offered to current staff members who refer applicants that are hired and work through the school year. Finally, the Department will be able to provide scholarships for Winter and Spring Camp for children who attend the Los Cerritos REAL Program.
FISCAL IMPACT
Acceptance of this grant has no impact to the general fund. Although the three additional part-time hourly staff members will be hired for a limited-term assignment through the grant term, the Department will likely be able to retain these employees for an extended period given the constant change of staff availability each season due to their personal school schedules and other part-time jobs.
RELATIONSHIP TO STRATEGIC PLAN
Acceptance of this grant will contribute to the City’s Strategic Plan under Priority #2 by helping to build a robust recreation program.
CONCLUSION
Staff recommends that City Council adopt a resolution approving the acceptance of $50,000 from the San Mateo County Strong Out of School Grant Program for the Parks and Recreation Department’s Los Cerritos Recreation, Enrichment, and Learning (REAL) Program, authorizing the City Manager to execute the grant agreement and amending the Parks and Recreation Department’s Fiscal Year 2022-23 Operating Budget pursuant to budget amendment #23.029.
The Parks and Recreation Department appreciates contributions from individual community members, local organizations, and County/State/Federal partners that help continue and enhance the Department’s mission to provide opportunities for physical, cultural and social well-being, protect and enhance the physical environment and ensure the effective and efficient use of public facilities and open space.