Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Michael P. Callagy, County Executive
Subject: Measure K: Agreement with Live in Peace for the purpose of providing educational supportive services and case management to academically disengaged high school youth in Belle Haven and East Palo Alto
RECOMMENDATION:
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Measure K: Adopt a resolution authorizing an agreement with Live in Peace to provide educational, supportive services and case management to academically disengaged high school students in Belle Haven and East Palo Alto for the term of July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2027, for an amount not to exceed $750,000.
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BACKGROUND:
Measure K is the half-cent general sales tax initially approved by San Mateo County voters in November 2012 and extended for thirty years in November 2016.
In response to the Board's direction, County staff gathered community input regarding priorities for allocating Measure K funds. Staff collected feedback from community-based organizations and county departments and conducted countywide surveys and listening sessions to obtain resident input. At the October 3, 2023, Measure K study session, staff presented a report produced by InterEthnica, summarizing the results of the surveys and listening sessions, which provided valuable input for the Board.
On October 17, 2023, after considering the County’s needs and community input, this Board finalized and approved the following priority areas for FY 2024-25 Measure K funding: Children, Families, and Seniors; Housing and Homelessness; and Emergency Preparedness. In addition to approving the priority areas, this Board authorized the County Executive to develop and proceed with a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) process to obtain applications for funding within the approved priority areas and subcategories identified by the Board.
On March 27, 2024, and June 25, 2024, this Board approved recommended applications received pursuant to the NOFO. It authorized the County Executive to negotiate agreements with applicants to be returned to this Board for approval. Through this action, the application of Live in Peace was approved for an award of Measure K funds under Children, Families, and Seniors Priority Areas.
DISCUSSION:
Live in Peace (LIP) is an East Palo Alto-based educational service non-profit that seeks to empower youth and young adults from Belle Haven and East Palo Alto to reclaim their vision for the future. LIP uses a highly relational model that connects young people to their talents, educational pathways, jobs, and a bright future. The organization serves approximately 250 students across its programs, including the Students With Amazing Goals (SWAG) High School program, GAP-Year, College Initiative, Junior Golf Program, and Bike Shop. These programs support youth not served by other programs and partners and those identified in their high schools as the most at-risk for dropping out. Services include life coaching, mentorship, counseling, tutoring, internships and apprenticeships, and peer accountability. LIP also provides scholarships and stipends to students in need.
LIP established the SWAG High School program in 2015, funded by an Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant and Measure K funds for two three-year cycles. The program provides educational, supportive services and case management to academically disengaged high school youth in East Palo Alto and Belle Haven. Since its inception, LIP has consistently achieved a 90% graduation rate for youth enrolled in the program, including 5th-year seniors. To date, 263 high school students, once off track, have successfully graduated high school or obtained their GED with SWAG’s support. Other impressive statistics of the program’s effectiveness include 100% of enrolled youth creating a Life Plan and 90% pursuing higher education or employment.
LIP will use Measure K funds to pay for the salaries and benefits of one SWAG Program Manager, four SWAG Life Coaches, and partial rent of LIP’s program space located at 2524 Pulgas Avenue in East Palo Alto. The program will provide services to approximately 40-45 academically disengaged students per year.
PERFORMANCE MEASURES:
|
Measure |
Target |
|
Students will create a post-secondary Life Plan |
100% |
|
Within one year of graduating, students will pursue college, trade school, or living wage jobs |
75% |
|
Reduced truancy or increased attendance |
50% |
|
Youth program completion rate |
80% |
|
Program participants graduating high school, including 5th-year seniors |
100% |
Live in Peace will provide robust quarterly and annual reporting to provide progress on their performance measures.
EQUITY IMPACT:
High school graduation is a critical determinant of youth success. Youth, particularly youth of color, without a high school diploma are more likely to face unemployment, have lifelong low earnings, and become involved in the criminal justice system.
Live in Peace is the only regional program focused on supporting students at the highest risk of not graduating and facing multiple barriers by providing wrap-around services. The SWAG program ensures that participating youth have access to a healthy, peaceful, and financially stable future for themselves, their families, and their community.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The term of the agreement is from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2027, for an amount not to exceed $750,000. This agreement is 100% funded by Measure K sales and use tax. Budgetary appropriation for this agreement will be included in the FY 2024-25 Recommended Budget and will be included in future budgets. There is no General Fund Net County Cost associated with this agreement.