Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: John L. Maltbie, County Manager
Subject: Use of District-Specific Measure K Funds - Supervisorial District 5
RECOMMENDATION:
title
Measure K: Adopt a resolution authorizing a one-time grant of district-specific Measure K funds, not to exceed $5,000, to Bay Area Gardeners Scholarship Foundation for college scholarships and supplies for students facing significant financial barriers, and authorizing the County Manager, or his designee, to prepare and execute the grant agreement.
body
BACKGROUND:
Measure K is the half-cent general sales tax initially approved by San Mateo County voters in November 2012 and extended in November 2016 for a total of thirty years. The Board of Supervisors (“Board”) and County staff have conducted study sessions and community outreach efforts to inform priorities for Measure K spending for FY2017-19.
On May 16, 2017, the Board approved the FY 2017-19 Measure K allocation plan in which the County anticipates Measure K receipts of approximately $81.6 million annually. The plan included $7 million in one-time loans or grants during FY 2017-19, divided equally among the five supervisorial districts, for district-specific needs and projects. District 5 has submitted a request to use its district-specific Measure K funds as shown below and described in the Project Summary section of this memorandum:
|
District/Project |
Amount |
|
District 5 (Supervisor David J. Canepa) - Bay Area Gardeners Scholarship Foundation for college scholarships and supplies for students facing significant financial barriers. |
$5,000 |
This item is consistent with the criteria for district-specific Measure K funds, which were developed during the initial round of district-specific allocations and approved by the Board in April 2015.
PROJECT SUMMARY:
This is a request to authorize a grant to Bay Area Gardeners Scholarship Foundation (“BAGSF”), and resulting grant agreement in an amount not to exceed $5,000 to provide college scholarships and supplies to students facing significant financial barriers. The County Manager’s office will administer and manage the proposed agreement.
Bay Area Gardeners Scholarship Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to providing scholarships and supplies to students facing significant financial barriers to reaching their college goals. BAGSF strives to promote educational attainment for marginalized students residing in the counties of San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Clara. In addition to supporting students in their pursuit of a post-secondary education, BAGSF’s goal is to instill in the recipients a sense of pride and spirit to also give back to their community.
BAGSF will provide the scholarships and chrome notebooks to high school seniors, high school graduates, GED recipients, and students already enrolled in a college or university.
BAGSF scholarships focus on applicants who display:
• Financial Need: Scholarships support students with significant financial barriers to fulfill their higher education goals.
• Community Involvement: Students must perform community involvement by volunteering and completing 25 hours at a local non-profit organization.
• Academic Achievement: Academic performance demonstrates the hard work applicants exert in an effort to achieve their college goals.
In January, schools, counselors and nonprofits serving the community are notified of the application process. Students must supply their family income statement, two letters of recommendation, one essay about their life challenges, grade transcripts, proof of college acceptance, and proof of 25 hours of community service. The applications are due in early May. Awardees must also commit to five hours of volunteer time for BAGSF.
In July of each year, BAGSF hosts the award dinner for scholarship recipients and their families.
Funding for the BAGSF scholarship program is also provided by Wells Fargo, Voler Strategic Advisors, Union Bank, Chavez Supermarket, Latino Community Foundation, Lyngso, Wegmans, Dr. Chicchon Freemont Smile, and Alauimia Med Spa, in addition to individual donors.
Measure K funds of $5,000 would help pay for two scholarships (each scholarship is for $2,000) and four chrome notebooks.
Total Measure K Request: Not to Exceed $5,000
The release of funds will be contingent on the execution of an agreement providing for the County’s confirmation of the expenditure of funds during FY 2017-18 for the purposes stated herein. The County will disburse the funds to the following organization for the purposes described above:
Bay Area Gardeners Scholarship Foundation
727 Industrial Road
San Carlos, Ca. 94070
Janice Carter, Board of Directors, Treasurer
650-759-5828
jc@sustainableprograms.org
PERFORMANCE MEASURES:
|
Description |
Target |
|
Number of scholarships awarded to qualified students |
2 given by 7/31/2018 |
|
Number of Chromebooks purchased to qualified students |
4 given by 7/31/18 |
County Counsel has reviewed and approved the resolution as to form.
Funding for the Bay Area Gardeners Scholarship Foundation contributes to the Shared Vision 2025 outcome of a prosperous community by encouraging students to gain a college education, further their personal goals, and give back through community service.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There are sufficient Measure K funds for this specific FY 2017-2018 Measure K request. These funds are budgeted in the Non-Departmental Services FY 2017-18 Adopted Budget.