HOPE Initiative Summer Jobs Program

2026-11-03

The selected providers will manage and provide payroll services for the HISJP . In addition to providing employment and supervision to participating youth , summer jobs providers must also document work - readiness outcomes . COT seeks to provide youth in need of summer employment with jobs at community - based organizations , non - profits , public agencies , and private businesses in need of summer assistance . Agencies must be qualified to fulfill the following specific program requirements : 1 . Recruitment of eligible youth ; 2 . Development of positions at community - based organizations , non - profits , public agencies and / or private businesses ; 3 . Development of a work plan , including assessment of participants at the start of , during , and at completion of summer employment ; 4 . Job placement either within their own agency or at community - based organizations , non - profits , public agencies and / or private businesses ; 5 . Monitoring / supervision of youth ; 6 . Provision of work readiness activities . Emphasis should be placed on improving critical thinking , problem - solving , financial literacy , and interpersonal and team building skills in the context of job - readiness . Participants must understand the applicability of their work experience so they will be better prepared to meet and adapt to the demands of the workplace in the future . Work assignments should reflect the participant ’ s interests when possible and feature project - based learning to demonstrate the relevance of skills . Respondents must demonstrate they are qualified to carry out a scope of work consisting of the following : 1 . Recruitment An understanding of the population to be served is essential in order to recruit youth eligible for these services . Appropriate youth can be identified via the city ’ s public and subsidized housing developments , community based multi - service agencies , community development corporations , neighborhood associations , faith - based organizations , and economic assistance programs , but preference is given to those currently residing in one of the identified HOPE Initiative Zones or low / moderate income areas within the city limits of Tuscaloosa . Respondents must demonstrate the capability of executing a comprehensive recruitment strategy and must be able to pursue a variety of outreach plans and strategies in order to be effective in reaching the population . Programs must use an appropriate application form as part of their comprehensive intake process . Respondents should include a copy of their proposed application form with their response to this RFQ . Organizations will be responsible for taking referrals of youth already determined to be eligible for HISJP as part of year - round outreach efforts . 2 . Assessment In order to ensure participants are successful and receive adequate services , a thorough assessment of the participant ’ s competencies is necessary . Selected organizations must utilize a work - based plan . Assessments must be signed and dated by the appropriate staff person or work site supervisor . Staff expertise in areas relevant to the target population will add particular value to the assessment process . Termination policies administered by contractors must be clearly defined and publicized in writing . Termination policies must be consistent , and due process must be upheld for all participants . All terminations must be documented by the selected service provided . All policies regarding attendance and code of conduct must be discussed with and signed by participants at the time of the initial assessment . 3 . Employment and Supervision Respondents must be capable of providing employment opportunities with proper supervision , ensuring a safe and educational work experience . Programs must provide safe environments for all participants and adhere to all Child Labor Laws . Participants receiving employment through this program must earn $ 13 . 25 / hour . COT will fund 20 hours per student per week for 7 weeks for a total not to exceed 45 students . Summer jobs providers must offer meaningful jobs . Work is meaningful when it reinforces work readiness skills like attendance , punctuality , leadership , responsibility , completing tasks , financial literacy , and recognizing quality performance . Best efforts must be made to place students in jobs which reflect their interests . Supervisors should be instructive and supportive , providing a mentoring relationship which enhances the learning experience . Supervisors must be available to answer the youth ’ s questions pertaining to his / her job .

Alabama

2026-05-10