Center for Advancing Policy on Employment for Youth (CAPE-Youth)

Background
The U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (ETA), is responsible for the grant award process for the Office of Disability Employment Policy. The purpose of the Center is to increase the capacity of national, state, and local workforce systems to improve transition and employment-related outcomes for youth and young adults with disabilities (Y&YAD) ages 16-24, particularly those from historically underserved communities such as communities of color and LGBTQ+ communities.

Grant Details
The Department expects to award a total of approximately $7,500,000 for one cooperative agreement, to be provided in annual increments of approximately $1,500,000 during a five-year period of performance.

The Center will support connecting youth and young adults with disabilities to Good Jobs through the development, implementation, and integration of evidence-based effective practices and policies for improving transition outcomes. The Center will focus on improving transition outcomes and develop resources, research, and policies that integrate diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) in all aspects of its work. The Center’s work will incorporate program focus areas such as Research and Policy Analysis and Development; Strategic Partnerships and Systems Coordination; Career Pathways and Work-Based Learning Experiences; and Professional Development.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include public and state controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, private institutions of higher education, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutes (AANAPISIs), Hispanic-serving Institutions (HSIs), Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs). Each eligible applicant is limited to one individual application for consideration under this opportunity. The Lead Applicant must serve as fiscal agent responsible for the overall management of the cooperative agreement.

Period of Performance
The period of performance is 60 months with an anticipated start date of 09/30/2023. This performance period includes all necessary implementation and start-up activities.

Grant Value
The Department expects to award a total of approximately $7,500,000 for one cooperative agreement to be provided in annual increments of approximately $1,500,000 during a five-year period of performance.