2025-2026 Youth Employment Program

BACKGROUNDThe Tompkins County Workforce Development department has administered successful state-funded youth employment programs for many years. It is anticipated that for 2025-2026 the New York State budget will include an allocation of funds for a state funded Youth Employment Program (YEP). Therefore, Tompkins County Workforce Development anticipates awarding approximately $80,000 in total funds. Funding is anticipated for allowable YEP expenditures made from February 1, 2026, to June 30, 2026. PLEASE NOTE: Tompkins County Workforce Development is proceeding with this request for proposals with the understanding that New York State may or may not appropriate funds for this program. Although significant changes are not anticipated, the conditions and standards applied to the potential appropriation have not been established and may impact the design and implementation of the local program. Tompkins County Workforce Development may modify or refuse to make awards based on the availability of funds. PURPOSE OF REQUESTTo prepare for this youth employment program, Tompkins County Workforce Development is soliciting proposals for Youth Employment Programs to serve youth between the ages of 14-20 years old, living in families who receive TANF benefits or in families who are at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. Youth Employment Program supports a reduction in gun involved violence as part of the New York Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) funding. Proposals are encouraged from for-profit, not-for-profit organizations, educational entities, and local governments. Business enterprises awarded an identical or substantially similar procurement contract within the past five years: None Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business (SDVOB) SDVOB Goal: 0.00% Minority / Women Business Enterprise contracting goals (MWBE) MBE Goal: 0.00% WBE Goal: 0.00% Disadvantaged Business Enterprise contracting goals (DBE) DBE Goal: 0.00%