FY27 TLS Educational Mentoring

The Department of Children and Family Services is seeking applications for the FY27 TLS Educational Mentoring program. The program aims to provide educational mentoring services to high-risk youth in care, between the ages of 12 and 20, residing in Cook County. The services will include coordination of the youth's multi-disciplinary team, engagement of youth, and provision of educational plans. The program also aims to connect youth to resources available in the community and through DCFS. The applicant must have experience working with youth in child welfare, an academic learning center, or programs serving youth and adolescents. The applicant must also have a plan to maintain a youth ratio of 1:20 for full-time employees and 1:10 for part-time employees. The program has specific outcome metrics, including 85% of classes taken by participating youth achieving a passing grade, 65% of youth enrolled in school not exceeding 10 full-day absences per quarter, and 80% of youth making progress on one or more goals in the areas of educational, vocational, employment, or social support. • The program will provide training, support, and monitoring to track progress and needs. • The program will have a budget of $202,356.00, with a limit on direct administrative costs to 20% and fringe benefits not exceeding 25% of total salaries. • The program will have a project duration of 36 months, with the possibility of renewal for up to three fiscal years. • The applicant must comply with all applicable provisions of state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to nondiscrimination, sexual harassment, and equal employment opportunity. • The applicant must submit a uniform application for state grant assistance, a program narrative and budget, and supplemental questions. Some key points to consider when applying for this grant include: • The eligibility criteria, including registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) and pre-qualification through the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) Grantee Portal. • The application requirements, including the submission of a uniform application, program narrative, and budget. • The evaluation criteria, including organizational capacity and experience, program design and implementation plan, alignment with funding priorities, outcomes and performance measurement, budget and cost effectiveness, and risk and compliance.