A bit of news on this crisp fall Friday morning in October.
After a long(-ish) wait of ~6 months (of a rigorous procurement process), MNA was competitively selected to conduct the external evaluation of the famed Promise Neighborhoods (“Cradle to Career”) grant from the U.S. Department of Education to Broward College, FL.
Authorized under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), the Promise Neighborhoods program strives to improve the academic and developmental outcomes of children living in the most distressed communities of the United States. The program serves neighborhoods with high concentrations of low-income individuals; or with multiple signs of distress, which may include high rates of poverty, childhood obesity, academic failure, and juvenile delinquency, adjudication, or incarceration.
The Broward UP Promise Neighborhoods project will provide for a comprehensive two-generational model to serve children from an early age to adulthood, positioning them for post-secondary education, while also working with their parents to gain workforce skills so that they can support their families.
Over the next five years, Broward College and its community partners will focus on a broad “cradle to career” and “place-based” approach with initiatives and interventions that expand from early child care and kindergarten readiness programs; enhancing K-12 supplemental instruction and success; improving high school completion and college enrollment; improving access to education and job training for young adults and all residents in the Broward UP communities; addressing critical challenges facing the children and residents in the community.
As the lead agency, Broward College will coordinate the grant program with community partners, including Broward County Public Schools, the Urban League of Broward County, YMCA of South Florida, Boys and Girls Club of Broward, OIC of South Florida, HANDY, Inc., Hispanic Unity of Florida, Pace Center for Girls of Broward County, Jack and Jill Children’s Center, the FLITE Center, Children’s Services Council of Broward County, Broward Partnership for the Homeless, and Nourishing Lives.
We are really stoked to have secured this contract with Broward College, albeit, the wait was long and seemed endless at times. Looking forward to working with the very talented and motivated project team members at Broward College and their numerous partners.
Stay tuned for updates!
