Youth Social and Emotional Learning and Career Readiness

Background
The City of Cincinnati, Ohio, is issuing this Request for Proposals (RFP265X901138) for a Youth Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) and Career Readiness Training Program. This initiative aims to provide structured training for youth employees aged 14-17 across various city departments, including the Cincinnati Police Department, Cincinnati Fire Department, and Cincinnati Recreation Commission. The program seeks to ensure consistent, high-quality training that enhances personal development and workforce preparedness for these young employees.

Work Details
The selected vendor will design and deliver a comprehensive curriculum focused on Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) and Career Readiness. The SEL component will help youth develop skills in self-awareness, emotional regulation, social responsibility, and relationship building. The Career Readiness component will prepare youth for professional success through instruction in resume writing, interviewing techniques, workplace communication, time management, professional behavior, teamwork, and exposure to industry-specific expectations.

The training must be engaging and age-appropriate while achieving the following objectives:
- Strengthen self-awareness and decision-making skills;
- Improve teamwork and conflict resolution;
- Prepare youth for employment success;
- Instill civic responsibility;
- Deliver interactive in-person training sessions;
- Adapt sessions for both large summer cohorts (up to 300 youth) and smaller fall/spring cadet groups (30-40 youth);
- Provide detailed curriculum plans;
- Administer pre- and post-assessments;
- Submit attendance records and progress reports.

Period of Performance
The contract term will commence upon the effective date of the agreement and will last for three years with optional renewals subject to negotiation.

Place of Performance
Training will be conducted at various locations coordinated by the Cincinnati Recreation Commission (CRC), Cincinnati Police Department (CPD), and Cincinnati Fire Department (CFD). Specific locations may include community centers or educational institutions such as Cincinnati State.

Bidder Requirements
Offerors must demonstrate prior experience delivering SEL and job readiness programs to youth in urban or community-based settings. They should also show familiarity with trauma-informed practices and culturally competent instruction. Additionally, contractors must comply with Equal Employment Opportunity provisions as per Chapter 325 of the Cincinnati Municipal Code. Contractors are required to submit a DEI 147 form regarding their equal employment opportunity policies.