Youth Employment

The Office of Economic Development supports career experiences for young people so that they can see what drives Seattle's economy. By providing career connected activities early and often, supporting credential and training programs, and creating on-ramps to employment, youth can begin to make the connection from education to careers. Through our investments and partnerships, Seattle's youth are supported and prepared to access jobs and careers in our growing economy, and our region's employers will have the local talent they need to thrive.

What We Do

With a focus on youth of color, low-income youth, immigrants and refugees, youth at risk of not completing high school and opportunity youth, we work to ensure that all youth have the competencies and skills to be successful in the labor market. We partner with local schools, businesses and non-profit organizations to build and support programs that give Seattle youth a window into the local economy and build pathways to fulfilling, in-demand careers. 

Highlights

Seattle Made Youth Tours - In 2018, we partnered with Seattle Made to connect youth with the innovation and entrepreneurship of local manufacturers and makers in Seattle. Seattle Made, a program of the Seattle Good Business Network (SGBN), hosted four full-day tours with hands-on activities. Check out the videos below, made by an OED youth intern, to get a glimpse of the tours. If you are interested in partnering with OED to provide opportunities like this for our young people, please reach out to Sasha Gourevitch at sasha.gourevitch@seattle.gov.

Career Days, Tours and More!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Youth Employment, Education and Career Fair @ Seattle Goodwill 

When: Tuesday, February 19, 2019, 1:30pm-4:30pm

Where: Seattle Goodwill, 700 Dearborn Place S., Seattle, WA 98144

More info & Updated List of Employers: https://youthemploymentfair.eventbrite.com

Current Funding Opportunities

Workforce Development Request for Proposals - Career Connected Learning

OED is seeking innovative proposals to provide career experiences and opportunities for young people ages 14-24 that provide access to and preparation for employment in Seattle's economy. Project proposals must clearly demonstrate how projects are addressing employer talent and hiring needs and include a partnership with at least one employer. Activities must be connected to IT, entrepreneurship, healthcare, creative economy, manufacturing, maritime or aerospace. Proposals are due March 31, 2019. Please contact Sasha Gourevitch with questions related to the application and process at sasha.gourevitch@seattle.gov. 

Workforce Development Career Connected Learning RFP

The City may make changes to this RFP if, in the sole judgment of the City, the change will not compromise the City's objectives in this solicitation. Any change to this RFP will be made by written addendum issued by the City and shall become part of this RFP. 

Check here for updates and FAQs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long is the grant period?

The contract will be for one (1) year from the date the contract is fully executed.

2. Can organziations serve youth who live outside of Seattle but who attend a Seattle based school?

Yes, organizations may serve youth outside of Seattle if they attend a school in Seattle. 

3. Can applicants request feedback on their proposal?

Yes, after the decisions are awarded, applicants can ask for feedback from the review panel. Please contact Sasha Gourevitch, sasha.gourevitch@seattle.gov

4. How many letters of support do organizations need to apply?

Only one letter of support is needed, but please list any other employer partners in the application.

5. What role does an employer need to play in proposed activities? 

Employers may be involved in a number of ways, including, but not limited to: Providing feedback and informing curriculum or program design, hosting site visits or job shadows, particpating in classroom visits or career panels, hosting interns, hiring participants, mentoring participants and more.

6. Can applicants focus on industries not specifically outlined in this RFP?

Yes, applicants may apply to this RFP with a focus on any industry where Seattle has high occupational demand and a competitive advantage over other regions. OED is looking for proposals that provide young people with a window into our economy and exposes young people to new pathways.  

For more information on our region's labor market demand you can view WA STEM's Labor Market and Credential Dashboard and review WA Roundtable's research.

7. What is the funding limit for constoriums or collaboratives?

Consortiums or collaboratives of 2 or more organziations may apply for funds up to $50,000 as long as the activities of each partner are separate but related. The activities must be connected in a pathway or progression of activities. The intent of funding consortiums or collaboratives is to reduce overhead while increasing coordination among partners and activities. 

8. Do youth served by programs have to live in Seattle? 

Our grant is intended to serve primarily Seattle youth. Activities serving non-resident youth are permissible, however, the proposed activity should be designed to increase capacity of career connected learning opportunities for Seattle youth and businesses.

9. Is there a template for the required letter of support from an employer partner?  What are the required elements? 

There is not a template for the letter of support from your employer partner.  The letter should be on business letterhead and signed by a representative of the organization and include the employer's endorsement of the proposal along with a short description of their role.

10. How should consortium partners be treated in the proposal?  Is there requirement documentation? 

If there are two or more partners that are jointly applying for the Career Connected Learning grant, the respective roles and responsibilities should be clearly described in the proposal.  There is no Partnership Agreement (i.e. Memorandum of Understanding) required as part of your submission.  Should funding be awarded, grantees may be required to document consortium roles and responsibilities as part of its contract with OED.

11. Does the proposal need to include the overall project budget? 

The proposal should include a project budget, including direct expenses and any donated items and/or services.  Examples of items which should be reflected in your budget, if applicable, are youth costs (e.g. stipends, travel, food), staffing costs, supplies & materials and space rentals.


12. Does the budget proposal require a funding or in-kind match?  

No, there is no requirement that your proposal include a match of funds.  

13. Can you clarify the requirement for an employer partner? 

The proposal should include at least one employer partner who you are working with in the design and/or delivery of one or more of the career experiences described in the RFP.  The employer partner will inform and validate the relevance of the proposed career activities to their business and talent needs. The employer partner may be a for-profit or non-profit organization but is required to be a separate entity from the applicant.