Potential Applicants: Refer to information available at www.philadhsost.org
PHILADELPHIA – Mayor Jim Kenney and Philadelphia School District Superintendent William Hite joined Philadelphia Department of Human Services (DHS) Commissioner, Cynthia Figueroa on Thursday at Alain Locke (a community school) to announce the competitive DHS Request for Proposals (RFP) for Out of School Time funding. A total of $19 million is available through this funding opportunity.
“The DHS RFP for Out of School Time programs is another great step forward toward ensuring positive outcomes for Philadelphia children and youth. We want to set kids up to succeed in school and in life and OST programs are a great investment in our kids,” said Mayor Jim Kenney.
The RFP is available at www.philadhsost.org. High-performing, youth-serving organizations are invited to apply for programs that serve youth in Kindergarten through twelfth grades to start September 2019.
This RFP was developed in close collaboration with the School District of Philadelphia to align OST programs with Mayoral and School District priorities for early literacy, high school transition, career awareness and college preparedness. DHS also encourages proposals to reflect strong and active collaborations with local public schools.
“We’re emphasizing the partnership with Philadelphia public schools because we believe we’ll go further by working together and that resources work best in the community where families can access services,” said DHS Commissioner Cynthia Figueroa
As part of $19 million available through this RFP, the Mayors Office of Education has committed $2.8 million to support OST programming at Community Schools.
The DHS OST RFP process is open and competitive. Responders should demonstrate existing expertise in meeting the needs of Philadelphia’s youth through programming that engages youth. Further emphasis is on enrolling and retaining children and youth involved with Philadelphia DHS.
This RFP reflects impactful changes to DHS expectations for its OST programs: DHS is increasing the amount funded per slot to reflect its commitment to improving program quality and to ensure that part-time staff work an average of 20 hours per week and are compensated at least $15 per hour.
In addition to alignment with City and School District priorities for literacy and preparing for high school, college, and career, this RFP also includes an emphasis on closing the enrichment gap in creative and performing arts, athletics and health, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math).
Potential applicants should RSVP at www.philadhsost.org to attend a mandatory bidders conference on April 11, 2019. Proposals must be submitted by May 3, 2019.
About Us
The Philadelphia Department of Human Services is the county child welfare agency. We lead, support, coordinate and implement services to prevent and address child abuse and neglect; and operate juvenile justice programs for Philadelphia.
www.phila.gov/dhs