Program Area Description

The Mayor and Commission voted to authorize $7 million in American Rescue Plan funding for youth development and violence prevention during the March 1, 2022 commission meeting. 

Summer 2022 Programming: During the same meeting, Mayor and Commission agreed to commit $500,000 from the $7 million for summer 2022 youth programming. Staff developed and released a request for proposals (RFP) on March 23, 2022. Proposals were only accepted from established non-profits proposing to enhance or expand existing youth summer programs. Ten proposals were received, of which six were recommended for approval of full or partial funding. Summer 2022 performance measures and program outcomes are communicated on the Youth Development portion of the ARPA data hub.

Summer 2023 Programming: Mayor and Commission approved a second allotment of $500,000 for youth development and violence prevention programming in Summer 2023. On April 4th, 2023 Mayor and Commission voted to approve the six eligible proposals received for funding. The approved agencies include Athens Land Trust, The College Factory, Destined, Inc, Divas Who Win, East Athens Development Corporation, and Timothy Baptist Church (Camp Timothy). Summer 2023 performance outcomes have been added to the ARPA data hub.

Athens Boys and Girls Club Funding: Mayor and Commission voted on June 6, 2023 to allocate $2.875 million to the Athens Boys and Girls Club in response to an unsolicited proposal received on May 11, 2023. $2 million will be disbursed by Boys and Girls Club to other agencies offering youth development and violence prevention programming, while the remaining $875,000 will be used to fund programs operated by Boys and Girls Club, including new programs at the Broad Acres and Parkview Community Centers. Boys and Girls Club initially implemented programming at the Rocksprings and Nellie B community centers in summer 2022 after receiving funding from the first round of ARPA youth development and violence prevention funds. This second allotment aligns with Mayor and Commission's goal to expand programming at underutilized community centers and facilities, and builds on the organization's existing experience.