Postsecondary Education Connectors Program

Program Delivery Call for Applications

This is an invitation to prospective applicants to submit applications for funding to deliver the Postsecondary Education Connectors Program. This application package is issued by Her Majesty the Queen in right of Ontario as represented by the Minister of Children and Youth Services (the “Ministry”).

1.

Program Guidelines..............................................................................................2

1.1 Background............................................................................................................2

1.2 Initiative Overview...............................................................................................2

1.3 Desired Outcomes..................................................................................................4

1.4 Possible Activities...................................................................................................5

1.5 Funding...................................................................................................................6

1.6 Beneficiary Population............................................................................................7

1.7 Collective Impact....................................................................................................8

1.8 Eligibility..................................................................................................................8

2. Application Process......................................................................................................9

2.1 Submitting an Application.......................................................................................9

2.2 Application Questions.............................................................................................9

2.3 Selection of Initiatives.............................................................................................9

2.4 Important Notes for Applicants.............................................................................11

Appendix A: Collective Impact and Cultural Identity – BYAP Guiding Principles...........12

Appendix B: Application Template.................................................................................13

Appendix C: Application Checklist..................................................................................18

1

Ontario Black Youth Action Plan

Program Guidelines1.1 Background

In March 2017 Ontario released the Ontario Black Youth Action Plan (BYAP) to help reduce disparities for Black children, youth and families. The BYAP is a four-year, $47 million commitment that, when fully implemented, will support 10,800 Black children, youth and their families annually.

The BYAP will increase access to supports and opportunities for Black children, youth and their families in Ontario across life stages, from early childhood to the transition to school and / or work. New programs will only be available in communities across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA), Ottawa and Windsor.

All BYAP initiatives have been developed with input from the External Implementation Steering Committee and feedback from community engagement sessions. The External Implementation Steering Committee (EISC) is made up of systems experts and leaders including youth and cross-sector representatives from Black communities across the identified regions. EISC’s role is to inform the design and implementation of BYAP initiatives and ensure the Plan is responsive to the needs of Ontario’s Black children, youth and families. More information on EISC can be found here.

Initiatives under the BYAP will be delivered using a “made-in-Ontario” Collective Impact and Cultural Identity (CI2) and Anti-Black Racism (ABR) Framework. To learn more about the Framework, please see Appendix A.

This is a call for applications for funding to deliver the Postsecondary Education Connectors Program, a BYAP initiative which seeks to connect Black youth to a navigator who will support them to get on the pathway to postsecondary education (PSE), and help them to see PSE as a viable pathway to a career.

1.2 Initiative Overview

Context

In 2016 the Ontario government announced a plan to transform the Ontario Student Assistance Program to make average tuition free for students whose family income is less than $50,000 per year. However, while financial barriers to PSE access are important, for some students non-financial barriers can be as or more important. Non-financial barriers can include experiencing racism and discrimination in the education and other systems, a negative perception of PSE, not seeing themselves as belonging

2

in PSE, not receiving sufficient academic preparation, and have difficulty navigating the various complex information sources and support programs that are currently available.

Therefore, in addition to making PSE more affordable for low- and middle-income students Ontario has launched a strategy to improve access to PSE, focused on non-financial barriers. The vision for the strategy is to ensure that all Ontarians receive the supports they need to pursue PSE, have a fair chance to fulfill their dreams, achieve their potential and thrive in the global knowledge economy.

While there is limited administrative data, there is evidence that Black students are less likely to engage in PSE (this includes apprenticeship, college, and university). For example, Black students in the Toronto District School Board are less likely to apply to postsecondary education and tend to be overrepresented in applied courses in Ontario secondary schools1, which can limit postsecondary pathway options as early as grade nine. Evidence repeatedly demonstrates the persistent and lifelong value of PSE, and therefore, Black students are less likely to access the economic and social benefits that come with a postsecondary credential.2 Evidence from other jurisdictions has also indicated that financial barriers (e.g., tuition and affordability) alone are not the primary impediments to PSE enrollment and completion – particularly for marginalized youth.3

Having experienced racism, discrimination, streaming and low expectations, many Black youth do not believe in their own capacity, see a place for themselves in PSE, or believe that PSE will have any value for them. They might not have access to opportunities for the academic, emotional and social development that is often necessary to successfully access PSE. They also may not have access to the experiential learning opportunities that enable students to see PSE as possible for them, as well as critical to labour market success.

There are a number of existing programs / resources that attempt to address educational and other barriers for youth 4 and may make a significant difference in supporting some Black youth to achieve stronger education outcomes, access and progress through PSE, and meaningful long-term career success. However, many Black youth do not know about these programs, and / or have life circumstances that prevent them from participating.

1 James and Turner (2017).2 Postsecondary education attainment is critical to economic and social success; not only do postsecondary graduates across Canada experience higher median income than secondary school graduates, they also report improved health outcomes, social cohesion, and social mobility (Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario, 2015).3 UK Higher Education Statistics Agency (2016); Finnie, Sweetman, and Usher (2008)4 For example: school-based programs (e.g. dual credits, experiential learning opportunities, etc.); PSE access and outreach programs run by PSE institutions that target marginalized youth; community agency programs that support youth to overcome barriers and support educational attainment

3

Program Description

The Postsecondary Education Connectors (PSECs) program will involve mentors / navigators / coaches who will build and maintain one-on-one relationships with Black youth and their families / other support networks, in order to support Black youth in developing an interest in, and plan for, their education and a meaningful long-term career. PSECs will then make it possible for youth that they are supporting to access the right program / resources, at the right time, in a way that works for them.

PSECs will use culturally-relevant and responsive approaches to develop and enhance the identity, culture and sense of belonging that Black youth experience to their community as a protective factor. In order to do this, PSECs may have similar backgrounds / identities to the youth that they are supporting, they will get to know and support the young person’s identity, goals, passions, strengths, and background, and will work with them to ensure they have the supports they need to overcome the barriers they face to pursuing and accessing PSE, and their career goals. The PSECs will develop a one-on-one relationship with each Black youth on their caseload, and work across sectors and locations to connect these youth to a wide variety of programs and resources. PSECs will leverage existing opportunities to enhance access to PSE, and will have a coordinating role in ensuring that efforts from cross-sectoral partners are aligned, coordinated and maximized. Activities would include (but not be limited to) supporting Black youth to access a range of programs, both specific to PSE and extra-curricular, creating PSE and career-oriented site-visits, setting up tutoring services, cultural-specific programming, etc. Ultimately, these efforts will help ensure that a greater number of Black youth will be able to navigate the complex options available to them, and these youth will have the meaningful relationship(s) and support they need to achieve long-term educational and career success.

PSECs will be funded through, and housed in, agencies and organizations currently supporting / connected to Black youth. However, the expectation is also that PSECs will refer and connect youth to programming and supports beyond what is offered by any particular agency or organization – i.e. the goal is to get the right youth to the right program(s) at the right time to support them in meeting their PSE goals. This will mean working with partners from across a broad range of sector(s).

Important note for applicants: The Ministry of Children and Youth Services is currently funding research activities that will create findings / recommendations for the design and delivery of the PSEC program in Ontario. To support evidence-based program design and delivery, the ministry will work with successful applicants to this PSEC Program Call for Applications to incorporate relevant findings of this research into their programs, where possible. Findings are expected to be available in Spring 2018.

4

1.3 Desired OutcomesThe intended program-level outputs / outcomes include (but are not limited to):

# and proportion of youth5 who report having built positive relationships with their PSEC

# and proportion of youth with PSECs who have been referred to supportive and relevant programming to meet their identified goal(s) related to PSE / career (with details about the nature of the programming)

# and proportion of youth with PSECs who have developed plans to access PSE and their career goal(s)

# and proportion of youth with PSECs who enroll in PSE # and proportion of youth who feel that their PSEC’s support was a major factor

in their ability to access PSE # and proportion of youth who are still engaged in PSE one year after enrolling

Applicants are encouraged to suggest additional program outcomes in their application.

These program-level outcomes are expected to contribute, in the long term, to improving the following community-level outcomes for Black youth in Ontario. Note that these are long-term expected outcomes and would not be within the scope of these contracts

Increased high school completion rates with strong enough grades and the appropriate courses to be admitted to desired PSE programs

Increased PSE registration and enrollment rates among Black youth Increased PSE graduation rates among Black youth Increased labour market success for Black youth post-graduation from PSE

1.4 Possible ActivitiesThe activities that applicants may undertake in order to achieve the above outcomes include, but are not limited to:

Develop meaningful relationships with Black youth so that youth feel comfortable to explore / describe their needs, goals and aspirations, skills and abilities as well as barriers (financial and non-financial).

Develop and use innovative and effective approaches (e.g. motivational interviewing, strengths-based approach, etc.) to work with Black youth so that they see PSE and a meaningful and viable career pathway, as a viable and valuable option for them

5 Ages 12-25, or up to age 29 for youth in special circumstances (e.g., with a disability, young parents, etc.).

5

Support Black youth to develop a personal education plan that puts them on a path to a meaningful career, which will typically involve PSE participation

Be knowledgeable and connected to a range of relevant programs and services that support youth to access PSE, connect Black youth with the right resources and programs in order to overcome their barriers to PSE and reach their goals

Advocate for and support Black youth who experience Anti-Black Racism and other financial and non-financial barriers to accessing what they need and achieving their PSE / career goals, including supporting Black youth to enhance their resiliency, pro-social skills and other protective factors

Be knowledgeable and connected to other community resources / supports to provide Black youth with general information, contacts, referrals and support as needed to build assets and address needs (e.g., housing, employment, education, health care and recreation; social and emotional issues)

Collaborate with a Community of Practice of PSECs and other related service providers (e.g. Youth Outreach Workers, Youth Job Connection Service Providers, Youth in Transition Workers, etc.) across the province, once established, to share best practices, resources, etc.

Support and work with parents / caregivers and other family members where relevant, to help Black youth address their needs and refer parents and family members to other supports and services available in the community when needed

Maintain collaborative working relationships with other professionals within and outside of the organization

Continue to provide these supports to Black youth once they’ve enrolled in PSE to ensure they are supported to continue their studies

1.5 FundingFunding for this initiative is to be used exclusively for the wages and expenses related to recruiting, hiring, and training (a) PSEC(s) and delivering the program. Applicants must indicate how many PSECs they plan to hire and what the pay of each PSEC would be, including a breakdown of other planned costs.

While actual costs will be determined and negotiated with each selected applicant, the maximum amount of funding available is $100,000 per PSEC, per full fiscal year (term of agreement will be negotiated with each selected applicant, but will not exceed three years).

Funding will be provided annually. This includes funding for salary and benefits as well as administration, supervision and program costs.

6

Applicants are encouraged to suggest additional possible activities that further the desired outcomes describe above.

Note: The ministry recognizes that the salary of the PSECs and program costs (e.g. travel funding for youth participants, etc.) may vary depending on location and other factors.

The guiding framework for the Program funding is as follows:

Per PSEC – Total Funding (per year)$100,000 (MAX)

SalariesTotal gross salary & wage payments. Included in this account line are premium pay, overtime pay, vacation pay, and other direct monetary compensation paid to employees.

$60,000-$65,000

BenefitsThe employer cost of all employee benefits. This account line includes mandatory benefits such as CPP, EI, EHT; etc.

(dependent on salary)

Administration and SupervisionThis includes agency and program administration, and supervision / training.

Max 10% of total program expenses

Travel / food / discretionary program items $5,000-$10,000

One time Start-up CostsAllowance for the purchase of a tablet for use of the PSEC, other equipment or leasehold improvement costs

$2,000-$5,000

Transfer Payment Agreements

Applicants who are selected to receive funding (the lead applicant in cases of collaborative applications) will be required to enter into a Transfer Payment Agreement with the Ministry that will set out the terms and conditions for Program delivery and funding.

Funding may be renewed for up to three years and activities / milestones for successful applicants must be completed by March 31, 2021. It is expected that programs will begin delivering services in summer 2018.

1.6 Beneficiary PopulationThe focus of PSECs under BYAP is to support Black youth who are not already on a path to PSE (i.e., Black youth who, without interventions and support, would not otherwise be expected to access and succeed in PSE).

Applicants are encouraged to identify the specific types of non-financial barriers that their proposed beneficiary population of Black youth will be facing (e.g. due to experiencing Anti-Black Racism and discrimination in the education / PSE sectors: feeling that PSE is not viable / valuable for them; having inadequate supports to pursue PSE; being inadequately qualified to pursue PSE; etc.).

7

Applicants should also describe any key identity / characteristics of the target Black youth population / community they plan to serve and how the proposed program will be tailored to address the unique needs and experiences of these Black youth.

Information Only: Successful applicants will be required to participate in Identity-based data collection.

Target Service Delivery Region The program will be targeted to the following regions: Greater Toronto, Hamilton Area (includes Toronto, Hamilton, Peel, Durham and York) Windsor, Ottawa.

Catchment AreaApplicants will define a targeted geographical catchment area and / or identify a specific Black youth population within the Census Metropolitan Area where program delivery will be focused.

Selected applicants must demonstrate their understanding of the local need for the PSEC program in their catchment area and be adaptable to changing targeted areas depending on future neighborhood needs.

1.7 Collective ImpactBYAP initiatives will be delivered using the Collective Impact and Cultural Identity (CI2) approach. Applicants should demonstrate how their proposed approach to designing and delivering the PSEC program aligns with the CI2 approach and must be willing to learn about and participate in this approach in order to be considered for funding.

In particular, in order to be successful in achieving the shared outcome of increased participation in PSE among Black youth, PSECs will need to be situated within and supported by a coalition of cross-sector partners who have adopted a shared vision of success for Black youth.

To learn more about the CI2 approach please see Appendix A.

1.8 EligibilityTo be eligible for consideration, all applications must meet the following criteria:

1. The lead applicant applying for funding must be a legal entity;2. A completed application form, including a sample job description, two reference

letters, must be submitted by the application deadline; 3. All elements of the application (Appendix B) must be completed; and4. The Authorization form (Section 4.0 of the Application) must be signed.

8

2. Application Process2.1 Submitting an ApplicationAll applications will include the following:

1. One completed application template (Appendix B);2. One completed Budget Template (embedded in Appendix B); 3. A sample job description; and4. Two more than two reference letters.

All materials associated with your application must be received by the Youth Strategies Branch, Ministry of Children and Youth Services (the “Ministry”) no later than March 9, 2018 at 11:59pm.

Applications can be submitted to and will be accepted by: Email: Christiana.Collison@ontario.ca

2.2 Application QuestionsIf you have any questions about the application template, criteria, process etc. please email them to Christiana.Collison@ontario.ca by February 23, 2018 at 11:59pm.

All questions and responses will be summarized in writing and re-distributed via email and on the Ontario Black Youth Action Plan website the week of February 26th.

2.3 Selection of InitiativesAn evaluation / review committee will review and assess the applications against the eligibility requirements (Section 1.8) and the selection criteria below to make recommendations for program funding.

Criteria WeightsSection 1: Applicant Overview

Applicant clearly indicates catchment area and target community where proposed program will take place.

Applicant includes a list of relevant coalition / partners involved in the design / delivery of the proposed program, with clearly defined roles and responsibilities.

10%

Section 2: Initiative Application The proposed program activities are well described The proposed program has clearly defined and relevant goals that

align with the BYAP guiding principles (incorporates a CI2 Approach) and the goals of the PSEC program

The application clearly articulates how PSECs will have a mentoring, coordinating and connecting role in ensuring Black

50%

9

youth access the right program at the right time to support the achievement of their identified goals and aspirations

The application has a strong approach that draws on best practices and local context in delivering the program

The application clearly defines the target population and beneficiary Black youth, including evidence to support the need for this program to target the identified target population

The application has a well-defined implementation plan that clearly maps out each milestone and is feasible within the project timeline, it also attributes roles and responsibilities to identified partners (including outreach plan, staffing plan, etc.)

The application includes a plan for evaluating and reporting on the outputs and outcomes of the program

The application contains a budget that does not exceed the total funding available and includes an explanation for each proposed expense and identifies any in-kind contributions

Section 3: Experience Applicant demonstrates Black leadership in the governance and

delivery of its existing programs, services and activities Applicant demonstrates a relevant background that includes their

capacity to successfully work with in identified BYAP catchment community and target community(ies)

Applicant demonstrates experience in delivering related programs that develop strong relationships with, support and improve outcomes for Black youth

Applicant demonstrates an understanding and connection to diverse and cross-sector community resources and programs that support youth facing complex / multiple barriers (financial and non-financial) to accessing PSE

Applicant demonstrates experience evaluating past programming to measure impact and improve service delivery

20%

Section 4: Additional Information The application includes a sample job description that includes

the PSECs job tasks, necessary qualifications and experience, pay and hours of work

The application includes two reference letters that testifies to the applicant’s ability to successfully deliver the program including a connection to the target community(ies) it plans to serve

20%

Section 5: Authorization Application contains a signed authorization.

N/A

10

Successful and unsuccessful applicants will be notified using the primary contact indicated in the application (Appendix B).

2.4 Important Notes for ApplicantsPlease read the Program Guidelines (Section 1) and the selection criteria (Section 2.3) before submitting your application as they contain important information.

Please use the Application Template (Appendix B) to complete your application. Please abide by the word limits indicated in the template.

11

Appendix A: Collective Impact and Cultural Identity – BYAP Guiding Principles

Guiding PrinciplesAll selected BYAP initiatives will adopt a common set of guiding principles. This set of guiding principles / conditions make up an approach which, for the purposes of BYAP implementation, has been named CI2.

The Core CI2 principles are: Common Agenda: Organizations delivering BYAP initiatives work collaboratively

on a shared objective, which is to improve outcomes and reduce disparities for Black children, youth and their families.

Cross-Sector Collaboration: Organizations delivering BYAP initiatives partner with multiple sectors to advance and achieve the common agenda, including for example:

o Public and broader public sector;o Multiple levels of government (i.e. municipal, provincial, federal);o Cultural agencies;o Community and not-for-profit sector agencies;o Private sector;o Funders;o Youth-led entities and youth themselves.

Cultural Identity Plan: BYAP initiatives embed conscious and inclusive practices and adaptations that reflect “promotive” and “protective” factors related to the concept of identity or feeling of belonging to a group. These “promotive” and “protective” factors should reflect a person’s self-conception and self-perception, related to nationality, ethnicity, religion, social class, generation, locality or any kind of social group that has its own distinct culture.

Data Literacy: Initiatives develop, collect, share and analyze data to measure progress and drive collective decision-making toward advancing and achieving the common agenda.

Black Children and Youth Empowerment: Initiatives prioritize listening to Black children and youth when making decisions and empower children and youth with tools and support they need to take action on their own behalf.

Community of Practice: Initiatives actively and regularly share best practices and learnings with initiative-specific and cross-initiative collaboratives.

Research and Evaluation: Initiatives actively track progress and apply learnings on the:

12

o Impact of initiatives on the outcomes for Black children, youth and their families; and

o Effectiveness of the CI2 approach.

Appendix B: Application TemplateContent in italics is explanatory and may be deleted in the final application.

Ontario Black Youth Action Plan

Postsecondary Education Connectors - Program DeliveryApplication

Section 1: Applicant Overview (10%)

1a) Lead Applicant Contact Information:This is the contact the Ministry will use should your application be successful, so if possible, please provide a direct line to the key contact (i.e. extension number or cellular number).

Applicant Name:Applicant Last Name:Applicant First Name:Position:Telephone Number:Email Address:Postal Code:Organization Website (if applicable):

1b) Lead Applicant and / or Partner Applicant Information (maximum 100 words):Using the chart below (please see example), please list the lead applicant and the organization(s) that have committed to participating in the proposed PSEC program, including a brief explanation of why each organization listed is involved in the project.

Organization Name Explanation

13

1c) Beneficiary Communities (maximum 100 words): Please indicate which BYAP catchment area the lead organization operates in, then list the specific communities within that catchment area that the proposed PSEC program intends to benefit.

BYAP catchment area: Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area Windsor Ottawa

Specific communities within the catchment area:

Section 2: Program Application (50%)

2) Please describe your proposed program, including:

(a) Target youth population: Describe the youth that you will be engaging and why they are in need of this initiative.

(b) Program Goals / Objectives: Describe how the PSECs will work with the beneficiary youth population to support their access to PSE. Please include information on how your program goals align with the BYAP CI2 Guiding Principles.

(c) Program Approach / Activities: Describe the activities the PSEC(s) will take to conduct outreach / recruit appropriate youth to the program, build relationships, develop postsecondary plans, connect youth to resources, and ensure retention through postsecondary. Please include information on how your proposed approach aligns with the BYAP CI2 Guiding Principles, including collaboration, youth empowerment and promoting positive cultural identity. Please include the anticipated number of youth that will be served (caseload) by each PSEC.

(d) Implementation Plan: Provide your high-level timelines and milestones using the table below, please include which partner(s) are responsible for carrying out each milestone.

Milestone Start Date End Date Resources Required (e.g., financial, staffing, training, etc.)

Partner(s) Responsible

Description of Activities

14

(e) Evaluation: Describe how you plan to evaluate the impact of your program.

(f) Budget: Please use the table below to indicate your initiative’s budget. Eligible costs include those related to recruiting, hiring, and training PSECs (including PSEC wages), administration and supervision for the PSEC(s) and program delivery costs. Please see Section 1.6 (Above) for a budget guideline.

Please include a description / justification for each budget item.

Item Cost (for one year) Description / Justification (REQUIRED)

Section 3: Applicant(s) Experience (20%)

3a) List and briefly describe any experience the applicant / partners have in delivering programs that support access to postsecondary education (100 words):Please list any past projects or initiatives the applicant was involved in that relate to access to postsecondary education, with particular attention to any projects that targeted Black youth.

3b) List and briefly describe the applicant’s / partners’ connection to the community, in particular any experience the organization has in delivering programs that improve outcomes for Black youth (100 words):

Please list any experience relevant to the program you are proposing to deliver, and please identify the degree to which Black leadership can be found in the governance, program design and delivery of the applicants’ existing programs and initiatives.

3c) List and briefly describe any experience the organization has in collecting program data, conducting program evaluations, and changing program design / delivery based on evaluation results (i.e., how the organization measures and

15

reports on its programs, and how these results are used to change program delivery) (100 words):

Please include an overview of the evaluation method used, the results of the evaluation, and how the results were used to improve your program or transform your organization.

Section 4: Additional Information (20%)

4a) Please include a sample job description for a PSEC, which identifies the following:

the job tasks; the required qualifications and experience; the salary range; and location / hours of work.

4b) Please include two (2) reference letters which identifies one or both of the following elements, in relation to the delivery of a PSEC program:

Demonstrates the applicant’s connection to the community it intends to deliver the PSEC program to; and / or

Outlines the applicant’s capacity to benefit Black children, youth and families.

16

Section 4: Authorization (MANDATORY)

I acknowledge, understand and agree that:

a. The information given in support of this application is true, correct and complete in every respect;

b. The information contained herein can be used for the assessment of funding eligibility;

c. The information contained in this application, or submitted to the Ministry of Children and Youth Services at any time, is subject to disclosure under the provincial Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act;

d. As a condition of and prior to receiving any funding pursuant to this application, the applicant will be required to execute a Transfer Payment Agreement outlining the terms and conditions relating to any funding and the Program to be delivered; and

e. Notwithstanding that the applicant has submitted a complete application and may have met all the eligibility and selection criteria, I acknowledge and agree that the applicant may not be selected to receive funding or may not receive the amount of funding identified in the proposed budget.

Name, Position / Title of Authorized Signing Officer for the Applicant

__________________________________________

Signature Date

__________________________________________ __________________

17

Appendix C: Application Checklist

To be sure that your application meets the eligibility requirements and will be reviewed in its entirety, please go through this checklist carefully before submitting an application for funding under the Ontario Black Youth Action Plan.

Have you:

Completed the right Application Template for the program you are applying for (eligible file types include .doc, .docx, .rtf, or .pdf. All other file types will not be reviewed)

Completed the Budget table included in the application.

Included two reference letters in Word, PDF or PNG (picture) format

Included a signed authorization page in Word, PDF, JPEG or PNG (picture) format

*The final page of every application is the signed authorization page. A signed authorization page is a legal requirement for the Ministry to review your application. The signed authorization page requires an actual signature (either digitally or in pen) and cannot be typed out.

Reviewed the Questions and Answers document posted on the BYAP website (will be posted the week of February 26 th )

Submitted your Application to the email address indicated, before the deadline (Both of which are outlined in Section 2.0 of the Call for Applications)

Checked that all attachments can be opened and are in the allowed formats listed above

*Note: The Ministry cannot accept links to file sharing websites.

Listed all of the attachments that you are submitting as part of your Application in the body of your email to the ministry

After sending, double checked that your email was delivered, with attachments

18

19