Receive evaluation report on the Yolo County Youth Commission Pilot Program and provide direction regarding the Youth Commission Program. (No general fund impact) (Mojsich/Bryan) (Est. Time: 20 min)

Receive evaluation report on the Yolo County Youth Commission Pilot Program and provide direction regarding the Youth Commission Program.

On May 10, 2022, the Board of Supervisors approved the establishment of the Yolo Youth Commission as a 2-year pilot program (Resolution No. 22-59). With the creation of the Yolo Youth Commission, the Board also approved a Grant Funding Agreement awarding the Yolo County Office of Education $400,000 from County-generated cannabis tax revenues to administer the Youth Commission (Agreement No. 22-78). The Board appointed first-year Youth Commissioners on November 22, 2022 with three (3) residents per District ranging from 13 to 18 years of age, for a total of 15 youth. The Board appointed the second-year commissioners on January 23, 2024.

One of the responsibilities of the Yolo Youth Commission was evaluating grant proposals for youth-led efforts and organizations in Yolo County and developing a grant funding plan for presentation to the Board of Supervisors for approval, with $160,000 budgeted per year for grant awards. In its first year, under the direction of the Yolo County Board of Supervisors and the Yolo County Office of Education, the Youth Commission initiated a request for proposals (RFP) to fund youth initiatives and program development with grants offering a total of $160,000 (YEA! Grants). The Commission designed and facilitated an RFP process that featured robust community engagement. Three areas of need among Yolo County Youth were identified: Job Readiness and Life Skills, Civic Engagement, and Recreational Events that Build Community. All proposed programs and services were to adhere to these three areas of need. Additionally, RFP respondents were informed all services were to be conducted within Yolo County and accessible by youth residing in any of the communities of which the County is comprised. The Youth Commission selected three YEA! Grant recipients, which the Board of Supervisors approved on October 10, 2023. 

 A similar process was followed for the second year of grants and the Board of Supervisors approved the Youth Commission's YEA! Grant recommendations on November 5, 2024.

The Yolo County Office of Education (YCOE) will present an evaluation report on the two-year Youth Commission pilot program. The presentation will highlight the program’s impact on youth leadership, civic engagement, and grant allocation efforts, including the distribution of $320,000 in grants for youth-focused services. YCOE will also outline recommendations for the future of the Youth Commission, with a proposed shift towards an advisory model that emphasizes civic leadership, mentorship, and direct involvement in local and county initiatives. The Board will be invited to consider these findings and provide direction regarding the program’s next steps.

Yolo County Office of Education
County Counsel