READY4LIFE youth grant - gateway community service organization will implement the READY4LIFE initiative across nine rural kentucky counties to provide high school students (grades 9-12) with…

The Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families awarded Gateway Community Service Organization, Inc. a $2.499 million Cooperative Agreement on September 30, 2025, under the Healthy Marriage Promotion and Responsible Fatherhood Grants program (CFDA 93.086) to implement the READY4LIFE initiative across nine rural Kentucky counties.

Gateway Community Service Organization will deliver 18 hours of evidence-based curriculum to high school students in grades 9–12 through Real Essentials Advance (12 hours) and Money Smart for Young People (6 hours), combined with individualized case management and community resource connections. The curriculum addresses the value of marriage, relationship skills, and budgeting and financial management. The program will serve 100 youth in year one and 200 youth annually in years two through five, reaching students in public, private, and alternative schools across the service region.

The award period runs through September 29, 2030, with performance occurring in Kentucky. The University of Kentucky Research Foundation will provide an impact evaluation plan proposal in year one; if approved by the Office of Family Assistant, the foundation will continue evaluation work through years two through five. Kentucky River Foothills Development Council serves as a partner in program delivery across the nine counties.

READY4LIFE youth grant - gateway community service organization will implement the READY4LIFE initiative across nine rural kentucky counties to provide high school students (grades 9-12) with essential education on the value of marriage, relationship skills, and budgeting/financial management. The program will deliver 18 hours of evidence-based curriculum through real essentials advance (12 hours) and money smart for young people (6 hours), complemented by individualized case management and community resource connections. In partnership with kentucky river foothills development council, the program will serve 100 youth in year 1 and 200 youth annually in years 2-5, reaching students in public, private, and alternative schools. This comprehensive approach addresses the region's high poverty, unemployment, and relationship instability while supporting positive socioemotional development and successful transitions to adulthood.